The Classical Limit of Teleparallel Gravity

TL;DR

This paper investigates how Teleparallel Gravity, a relativistic theory with torsion, reduces to Newtonian gravity in the classical limit, and discusses its relation to General Relativity and alternative approaches.

Contribution

It demonstrates the classical limit of Teleparallel Gravity reduces to Newtonian gravity and compares this to the torsion-free case, clarifying their theoretical relationship.

Findings

Teleparallel Gravity reduces to Newtonian gravity as c approaches infinity

Comparison shows differences between torsional and torsion-free limits

Discussion of implications for underdetermination between theories

Abstract

I consider the classical (i.e., non-relativistic) limit of Teleparallel Gravity, a relativistic theory of gravity that is empirically equivalent to General Relativity and features torsional forces. I show that as the speed of light is allowed to become infinite, Teleparallel Gravity reduces to Newtonian Gravity without torsion. I compare these results to the torsion-free context and discuss their implications on the purported underdetermination between Teleparallel Gravity and General Relativity. I conclude by considering alternative approaches to the classical limit developed in the literature.