Reflections on Cosmology: an Outsider's Point of View

TL;DR

This paper critically examines foundational assumptions in cosmology based on General Relativity, proposing that minor modifications to gravity could radically alter our understanding of cosmic sources and their implications.

Contribution

It introduces the idea that slight changes to standard gravitational theory can significantly change the interpretation of cosmic sources in Einstein's equations.

Findings

A specific example demonstrating the impact of modified gravity

Discussion of potential radical differences in cosmic source interpretation

Implications for cosmological models and assumptions

Abstract

Some of the assumptions of cosmology, as based on the simplest version of General Relativity, are discussed. It is argued that by slight modifications of standard gravitation theory, our notion of the sources of gravity {the right hand side of Einstein's equations{, could be something radically different from what is usually expected. One example is exhibited to prove the point, and some consequences are discussed.