Spacetime as a geometric-relational field: A theoretical-conceptual review on causality, coupling and emergence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v15i5.51120Keywords:
Spacetime, General relativity, Metric field, Quantum gravity, Emergence.Abstract
This article presents a theoretical-conceptual bibliographic review of the physical status of spacetime in modern physics. The aim is to evaluate the extent to which the literature allows causality, gravitational coupling and emergence to be articulated within a cautious interpretation of spacetime. The methodology consists of a narrative review of classical works, foundational papers, high-impact reviews and recent publications in general relativity, quantum field theory in curved spacetime and quantum gravity. The analysis shows that, in general relativity, the metric gμν can be understood as a dynamical variable that defines intervals, geodesics, curvature and causal structure. However, this interpretation does not allow the fields of the Standard Model to be reduced to geometry: their coupling occurs through the stress-energy tensor. In semiclassical regimes, the relationship between quantum fields and curved geometry becomes conceptually relevant, while quantum gravity programs investigate the possible emergence of spacetime. The article concludes that the expression geometric-relational field is defensible as a cautious interpretive key, not as a final unified theory.
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