[Histmaj] Don’t Miss Copenhagen: A Thought-Provoking Journey into History, Science and Morality

[HISTORY UNDERGRADUATE ADVISORS via Histmaj]

Hello Historians!

Free show in UW! Only two days left!

“Does a conscientious and ethical physicist have the right to work on the practical exploitation of atomic energy?” This question encapsulates reflections on war and peace, the clash between scientific pursuit and moral boundaries, and the echoes of a once-great friendship torn apart.

The play Copenhagen tells the story of the complex relationship between two of the 20th century’s most renowned physicists, Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg. Together, they moved forward in the golden age of physics. By 1925, at only 23, Heisenberg founded quantum mechanics. He later formulated the uncertainty principle, which, along with Bohr’s complementarity, established the “Copenhagen interpretation”, the dominant understanding of quantum mechanics in 20th-century.

But then, Hitler rose to power, and the war began…

In 1941, supported by Nazi Germany, Heisenberg traveled to occupied Copenhagen to meet Bohr in what would become a mysterious, brief meeting that shattered their friendship. What did they discuss? Why did Heisenberg come? These questions remain unanswered, becoming one of history’s enduring mysteries.

In this play, Bohr, Heisenberg, and Bohr’s wife Margrethe reunite after their deaths. Together, they replay that fateful meeting over and over, attempting to reconstruct the scene and seek the truth. Perhaps this question is destined to have no answer—or perhaps, you may find your own answer.

Join us on the evening of November 14th or 15th at 7 p.m. at UW Hutchinson Hall as we explore this mystery and experience the clash of science, war, ethics, and friendship.

Registration form: https://forms.gle/msUXoryk22Rm8A968<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/forms.gle/msUXoryk22Rm8A968__;!!K-Hz7m0Vt54!g3L5O3UfIrQoDJDSEeItt_igmSUjOF5gm0PQR1RJd7ptN7GhCeGUeqPtyH7RUJH9Hrv3B3YFbNhtDm4$>
Or scan the QR code on the poster.


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