Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics

The Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics is the standard way to explain the bizarre behavior of quantum mechanics. It was put together at Bohr's institute in Copenhagen in the 1920s. 

It also should be noted that the nature of the wave-function is probabilistic and it expresses wave-particle duality. The future cannot be measured with absolute certainty, however, statistical behavior can be determined from the behavior of many quantum systems. At the quantum level, nothing really exists until it is observed. Until observation, an electron, is just a wave of probability. 

Classical physics draws a distinction between particles and waves. It also relies on continuity, determinism and causality in natural phenomenon. In the early 20th century, newly discovered atomic and subatomic processes seemed to defy these conceptions. In 1925 and 1926, quantum mechanics emerged as a formalism that appears to reject these classical conceptions, while accurately describing the experiments. Probability and discontinuity are fundamental in the physical world, according to quantum mechanics. Causality's role in quantum mechanics is still disputed.

Quantum mechanics cannot be easily reconciled with everyday language and observation. Quantum mechanics often seems counterintuitive to  physicists, including its inventors.

The Copenhagen interpretation intends to indicate the proper ways of thinking and speaking about the physical meaning of the mathematical formulations of quantum mechanics  and corresponding experimental results. The Copenhagen interpretation gives respect to discontinuity, probability and the concept of wave-particle dualism.  In some respects, it denies standing to causality.

Where does the name come from?

Werner Heisenberg was assistant to Niels Bohr at his institute in Copenhagen  in the 1920s.  This is where they helped to originate the quantum theory. In 1929, Heisenberg gave a series of lectures at the University of Chicago on the newly developed theory. The lecture served as the basis for his text book: The Physical Principles of the Quantum Theory.  This work was published in 1930. 

It appears that this particular term "Copenhagen," with its definite sense, was coined by Heisenberg in the 1950s. This is while he was criticizing other interpretations, such as David Bohm's. Earlier references to the name does exist. For example, in 1928, Arthur Eddington, in his work The Nature of the Physical World, refers to the "Copenhagen school."