Some remarks on a nongeometrical interpretation of gravity and the flatness problem

Abstract

In a nongeometrical interpretation of gravity, the metric $g_{\mu\nu}(x)=\eta_{\mu\nu}+\Phi_{\mu\nu}(x)$ is interpreted as an {\em effective} metric, whereas $\Phi_{\mu\nu}(x)$ is interpreted as a fundamental gravitational field, propagated in spacetime which is actually flat. Some advantages and disadvantages of such an interpretation are discussed. The main advantage is a natural resolution of the flatness problem.