Einstein's gravitational field

TL;DR

This paper clarifies the historical and conceptual differences in interpreting Einstein's gravitational field, contrasting Einstein's original view with the modern space-time curvature perspective.

Contribution

It highlights the shift in the interpretation of gravity from Einstein's original inertial motion perspective to the modern curvature-based view.

Findings

Identifies the source of confusion in the literature.

Clarifies Einstein's original interpretation of gravity.

Discusses the implications of differing interpretations.

Abstract

There exists some confusion, as evidenced in the literature, regarding the nature of the gravitational field in Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. It is argued here the this confusion is a result of a change in interpretation of the gravitational field. Einstein identified the existence of gravity with the inertial motion of accelerating bodies (i.e. bodies in free-fall) whereas contemporary physicists identify the existence of gravity with space-time curvature (i.e. tidal forces). The interpretation of gravity as a curvature in space-time is an interpretation Einstein did not agree with.