Is Gravity a Force?
This question is for the physicists mainly, I suppose, though there may also be a philosophical element to it. (Mods may wish to relocate the thread as appropriate). I ask as an interested layman.
We're routinely told--by scientists--that there are four fundamental forces of nature, one of which is gravity. This is so commonly heard that I assume quotations are unnecessary.
Gravity construed as a force seems entirely unproblematic under the erstwhile Newtonian paradigm. But times have
Some of you may be familiar with the wonderful lecture series produced by "The Teaching Company" (aka "The Great Courses", I think).
Right now, by chance, I'm going through their course entitled "The Evidence for Modern Physics: How We Know What We Know" presented by professor Don Lincoln.
https://www.thegreatcourses.com/professors/don-lincoln
Near the end of Lecture 15, "The Awesome Evidence for General Relativity", at the 28:30 mark, Prof. Lincoln perorates:
"I hop