Derivation of Tensor Algebra as a Fundamental Operation—The Fermi Derivative in a General Metric Affine Space

The aim of this work is to demonstrate that all linear derivatives of the tensor algebra over a smooth manifold M can be viewed as specific cases of a broader concept—the operation of derivation. This approach reveals the universal role of differentiation, which simplifies and generalizes the study of tensor derivatives, making it a powerful tool in Differential Geometry and related fields. To perform this, the generic derivative is introduced, which is defined in terms of the quantities Qk(i)(X). Subsequently, the transformation law of these quantities is determined by the requirement that the generic derivative of a tensor is a tensor. The quantities Qk(i)(X) and their transformation law define a specific geometric object on M, and consequently, a geometric structure on M. Using the generic derivative, one defines the tensor fields of torsion and curvature and computes them for all linear derivatives in terms of the quantities Qk(i)(X). The general model is applied to the cases of Lie derivative, covariant derivative, and Fermi derivative. It is shown that the Lie derivative has non-zero torsion and zero curvature due to the Jacobi identity. For the covariant derivative, the standard results follow without any further calculations. Concerning the Fermi derivative, this is defined in a new way, i.e., as a higher-order derivative defined in terms of two derivatives: a given derivative and the Lie derivative. Being linear derivative, it has torsion and curvature tensor. These fields are computed in a general affine space from the corresponding general expressions of the generic derivative. Applications of the above considerations are discussed in a number of cases. Concerning the Lie derivative, it is been shown that the Poisson bracket is in fact a Lie derivative. Concerning the Fermi derivative, two applications are considered: (a) the explicit computation of the Fermi derivative in a general affine space and (b) the consideration of Freedman–Robertson–Walker spacetime endowed with a scalar torsion field, which satisfies the Cosmological Principle and the computation of Fermi derivative of the spatial directions defining a spatial frame along the cosmological fluid of comoving observers. It is found that torsion, even in this highly symmetric case, induces a kinematic rotation of the space axes, questioning the interpretation of torsion as a spin. Finally it is shown that the Lie derivative of the dynamical equations of an autonomous conservative dynamical system is equivalent to the standard Lie symmetry method.