The Limits of Human Knowledge: Oedipal Problems in A Serious Man (2009)

Abstract

In a dream, Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg), a Jewish assistant professor of physics in 1967 Middle America, furiously scribbles the derivation of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP) on every inch of a towering classroom blackboard.¹ The derivation represents the mathematical proof that proves, ironically, that there will always be some uncertainty in the measurement of physical quantities. The mathematical principle has wider philosophical implications, since it also captures the irony of misunderstanding, the subjectivity of perception, or both. This dream sequence captures the signature uncertainty of Larry Gopnik’s tragicomic narrative arc. At home his wife has asked for a get, a ritual divorce within the Jewish faith. At work a student has attempted to bribe Larry for a passing grade on his physics midterm, and Larry’s department chair has alerted him to a series of anonymous letters accusing Larry of moral turpitude, which, along with his lack of publications, threaten his upcoming bid for tenure. The scientist ultimately turns to his rabbi for advice about the enigmatic turns of events that afflict his life.

“The Uncertainty Principle. It proves we can’t ever really know what’s going on. But, even though you can’t figure anything out, you will be responsible for it on the midterm.”

—Larry Gopnik, to his physics class