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arXiv · 2403.08637

GR as a classical spin-2 theory?

Niels Linnemann·Chris Smeenk·Mark Robert Baker
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Abstract

The self-interaction spin-2 approach to general relativity (GR) has been extremely influential in the particle physics community. Leaving no doubt regarding its heuristic value, we argue that a view of the metric field of GR as nothing but a stand-in for a self-coupling field in flat spacetime runs into a dilemma: either the view is physically incomplete in so far as it requires recourse to GR after all, or it leads to an absurd multiplication of alternative viewpoints on GR rendering any understanding of the metric field as nothing but a spin-2 field in flat spacetime unjustified.

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Niels Linnemann, Chris Smeenk, Mark Robert Baker. 2024-03-13. GR as a classical spin-2 theory?. https://doi.org/10.1017/psa.2023.56

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