The Principle Movie – Review

How well do you remember the history of science? This movie will take you back in time in a quick and humorous review of scientific theory leading to today’s common assumptions. Copernicus is the astronomer responsible for establishing the theory of heliocentrism in 1543. His theory is known as the Copernican Principle: the Sun is stationary at the center of the Universe and the Earth spins on its axis once daily while revolving around the Sun annually.

From elementary school on we are taught that this is fact. The sun is the center of the universe, and everything else we believe about our world stems from that understanding. However, in Copernicus’ time, this idea was revolutionary and was not accepted until the 1700’s. His theory was the beginning of the split between science and religion and it is the origin of modern science’s presumption that Earth, and human life, is not significant – we are just another spec in the cosmos.

Is Earth in a Significant place in the Universe?

This movie seems to be as controversial and revolutionary in thought as Copernicus theory was in his time. It’s been having a hard time getting into the mainstream. I had heard of it a couple years ago when they were less than successful at trying to get it into theatres. So recently I ordered a copy to see for myself.

“The Principle”, brings to light new scientific observations challenging the Copernican Principle. The film brings before the public eye astonishing results from recent large-scale surveys of our Universe which disclose surprising evidence of a preferred direction in the cosmos, aligned with our supposedly insignificant Earth. The film explores from all sides the question of Earth’s station in the universe and whether it could, in fact, have a unique importance.” – from www.theprinciplemovie.com

Interviews with leading cosmologists are intertwined with new scientific data and observations to make a case for an alternate view, which is closer to Ptolemy‘s geocentric view. Both theories are examined fairly, but adding the most recent scientific discoveries and data gives weight to the possibility that the earth is far more significant than what was previously thought.

How Much Do We Really Know?

In fact, just as Quantum Physics has stirred up a whole new way of looking at our existence and the nature of the universe, this movie will do the same. It is obvious that the science we were taught in school is outdated. The sad thing is that we make many assumptions based on insubstantial or incomplete evidence. One thing this movie will do is make you question everything you’ve ever learned.

I highly recommend it, especially if you are homeschooling your children. If your children are in Public Middle or High School please recommend it to their science teacher. It is a bit fast paced and contains many contradictory views which could be confusing, so it would be a good idea for parents to watch it first and give an overview of the basic concepts.

You can find out more and watch the trailer here: http://www.theprinciplemovie.com/about/ 

You can purchase or rent the movie here: ScreeningNow