Discussing General Relativity - Beliefs & Ideas

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the status of General Relativity (GR) as a fundamental theory versus an effective theory, particularly in light of dark energy's role in cosmological models. Participants question whether gravity will continue to be understood as the curvature of spacetime and explore potential modifications to GR on large scales. The conversation emphasizes the need for valid references, such as peer-reviewed papers, when discussing theories that extend beyond GR. Notable textbooks like "Gravitation" by Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler (MTW) and "General Relativity" by Wald are recommended for further exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity (GR)
  • Familiarity with cosmological models and dark energy
  • Knowledge of spacetime curvature concepts
  • Experience with peer-reviewed scientific literature
NEXT STEPS
  • Research modifications to General Relativity in large-scale cosmology
  • Explore alternative theories of gravitation beyond General Relativity
  • Study the implications of dark energy on cosmological models
  • Read "Gravitation" by Misner, Thorne, and Wheeler and "General Relativity" by Wald for deeper insights
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, cosmologists, and students interested in the foundations of General Relativity and its potential extensions, as well as anyone exploring the implications of dark energy in modern physics.

Jamestein Newton
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Following are not strictly physics questions. But cool questions to discuss.
We need to add dark energy to our cosmological model if we strictly follow GR. This lead to some beliefs that GR is an effective theory.

(1)Do you believe that GR is the fundamental theory? If GR is an effective theory on some senses, what kind of fundamental physics can we take away from GR at the end?
(2)Do you think the gravitation would still be equivalent to the curvature of spacetime eventually? If not, what are the possible modifications? I am interested in the alternative description of gravitation that even only differ a bit from the current equivalent to the curvature of spacetime
(3)Do you think we need will modification on GR under the large scale?
(4)What will the main consequences of any possible modifications, and what will they lead to?

Just an informal chat. I am just curious about how people perceive GR nowadays.
 
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Jamestein Newton said:
Following are not strictly physics questions.
Indeed. Which means they are off topic here.

If you want to discuss particular proposals for theories that go beyond GR and have GR as an effective theory in a particular domain, those types of discussions would normally be in the Beyond the Standard Model forum and would be based on a particular valid reference (a published peer-reviewed paper that describes the proposed theory you want to discuss).

Some GR textbooks (such as MTW and Wald) also have discussions of how we might possibly go beyond GR. A PF discussion could also be based on what is said in those textbooks if you have questions about it.

In the meantime, this thread is closed.
 
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