Stern-Gerlach: conceptually clean or acceptably vague?

TL;DR

This paper examines the conceptual clarity of the Stern-Gerlach experiment in quantum mechanics, analyzing vagueness issues and their philosophical implications, especially concerning the measurement problem.

Contribution

It provides a detailed quantum mechanical analysis of Stern-Gerlach, highlighting areas of vagueness and discussing their philosophical significance beyond traditional criticisms.

Findings

Identifies specific vagueness in quantum descriptions of Stern-Gerlach

Connects vagueness issues to the quantum measurement problem

Raises open questions about the philosophical acceptability of vagueness

Abstract

This paper develops a number of quantum mechanical characterisations of Stern-Gerlach. It discusses areas of vagueness in their formulation. Philosophers criticise quantum mechanics for unacceptable vagueness in connection with the measurement problem. The quantum formulation problems identified by this paper go beyond the locus of philosophical criticism. It concludes with an open question, are some areas of vagueness in quantum mechanics more acceptable philosophically than others and, if so, why?