Accelerating Expansion in a Closed Universe

Abstract

In this paper, I suggest a possible explanation for the accelerating expansion of the universe. This model does not require any dark energy or quintessence. Rather, the idea is to suggest a different view on the origin of general relativity. Since it is very difficult to say something in general, I will mainly restrict myself to the case of very low curvature. The question about the underlying reasons for the acceleration is also closely related to the question whether the universe is a finite or infinite. It is part of the purpose of this paper to argue that a phase of accelerating expansion may be very well compatible with the idea of a closed universe.