Soumendra Nath Thakur

September 14, 2025

The four fundamental forces of the universe—gravitational, electromagnetic, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear forces—govern the interactions between particles and objects at all scales. Among these, the gravitational force is one of the fundamental forces, characterized by the attraction between masses. This interaction is a universally observed phenomenon and stands as a foundational fact within the framework of natural laws. Scientific inquiry is rooted in empirical observations, which form the basis for constructing models and theories aimed at explaining and predicting observable behaviours. Any theoretical framework must remain aligned with these observations, ensuring that explanations are grounded in measurable reality rather than abstract assumptions.

Einstein’s general relativity offers a sophisticated mathematical interpretation of gravity as the curvature of spacetime. While this geometric model successfully accounts for phenomena that extend beyond the scope of Newtonian gravity—remains an interpretation rather than an independently observed phenomenon. The effects attributed to spacetime curvature are inferred from measurements, not directly perceived, and thus should be treated as a model constrained by observational evidence.

Concerns arise when a theoretical interpretation is elevated above the observational facts it seeks to explain. A purely geometric representation, if not sufficiently supported by empirical data, risks disconnecting scientific models from reality. Mathematical elegance must not overshadow the primacy of observable interactions, as this could undermine the principle that natural laws are derived from and validated by experience.

The proper scientific approach recognizes the gravitational force, as one of the four fundamental forces of the universe, as an established fact, while curved spacetime serves as a descriptive tool applicable within certain contexts. Theories must remain falsifiable, predictive, and firmly tied to observable evidence, rather than imposing abstract constructs that obscure or replace empirical truths.

In this light, the interpretation of gravity through curved spacetime must be understood as a theoretical framework, not as a competing or overriding explanation of the gravitational interaction itself. Observations remain paramount, and theoretical models must be guided by, rather than dictate, the realities of nature. The relationship between theory and observation must be one of complementarity, with observation maintaining its role as the ultimate arbiter of physical truth.