The discussion revolves around the confusion regarding the derivation of gravitational time dilation in Schwarzschild spacetime, specifically the relationship between proper time and spacetime intervals. The main point of contention is whether the equality between the spacetime interval and proper time holds for non-inertial observers, as the standard derivation seems to imply. Participants clarify that while proper time can equal the spacetime interval for stationary observers in a stationary gravitational field, this relationship is more complex for non-inertial observers and finite separations. The conversation highlights the distinction between infinitesimal and finite differences in spacetime intervals, emphasizing that the definition of spacetime intervals in general relativity is not as straightforward as in special relativity. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the need for careful consideration of the definitions and conditions under which these relationships hold.