Is the principle of equivalence a principle? (Q1378917)

The work is based on the hypothesis that the equivalence principle should be treated as a theorem, not a principle (in the axiomatic sense). It contains a detailed analysis of the concepts of normal and inertial frames of reference. The equivalence principle is proved to be valid (at every point and along every path) in any gravitational theory based on linear connections. Possible generalizations of the equivalence principle are pointed out.