In the context of classical physics, forces are typically associated with the interactions between matter or objects. According to Newton's laws of motion, forces arise due to the interaction of physical bodies and can cause changes in their motion. In this sense, forces are typically considered to be a property of matter.
However, in the framework of quantum field theory (QFT), forces are understood in terms of the exchange of force-carrying particles known as gauge bosons. These force-carrying particles, such as photons for electromagnetism or gluons for the strong nuclear force, mediate the interactions between particles.
In this quantum field theory framework, forces are described by fields and their associated particles, and the behavior of these fields and particles is governed by the principles of quantum mechanics. Therefore, forces in QFT are closely tied to the existence of quantum fields and the particles associated with those fields.
It's important to note that the concept of force itself can be understood in different ways depending on the underlying theoretical framework. In classical physics, forces are described as interactions between matter, while in quantum field theory, forces are described by the exchange of particles associated with the relevant fields.
Outside of these frameworks, in more speculative or hypothetical contexts, there may be alternative theories or ideas that propose the existence of forces or interactions in the absence of matter or traditional quantum fields. However, such ideas would fall beyond the scope of established physics and would require significant evidence and further theoretical development to be considered scientifically viable.
In summary, in the currently established frameworks of physics, forces are typically associated with matter or quantum fields. However, alternative theories or speculative ideas may propose different perspectives on the nature of forces and their existence in the absence of matter or traditional quantum fields.