Is computer science science?

Peter J. Denning

2005

The increased importance of graphics in computer systems has

made computer graphics a more visible and important part of
computer science education. This graphics education can take any of
several forms

Abstract
This paper discusses the objectives of a microcomputer laboratory established to support
the Computer Science programmes at McMaster University. Three objectives are identified:
1. To serve as the means of reinforcing the understanding of fundamental ...

Scholarcy Highlights
 The increased importance of graphics in computer systems has made computer
graphics a more visible and important part of computer science education. This graphics
education can take any of several forms
 This paper discusses the objectives of a microcomputer laboratory established to
support the Computer Science programmes at McMaster University
 This well-written article is the latest in a series of articles published by Denning, who is
interested in studying the general principles of the discipline of computing
 It is in the form of a debate between a critic and an "apologet," on viewing computer
science as a science
 Denning cites Tichy's research, which found that insufficient attention to testing new
ideas and hypotheses has "lowered the credibility of our field as a science" [1], but
argues that the situation has recently begun to improve. He relies on the younger
generation of computer scientists. This is the least convincing part of the article: if
young people, as the author argues, do not question the validity of computer science, it
remains unclear why he believes that these people are "more open to critical thinking." I
tend to agree with the author that the science paradigm will probably quite soon
become part of the mainstream perception of the computing discipline
Scholarcy Summary

Reviewer: Sergei Gorlatch

This well-written article is the latest in a series of articles published by Denning, who is
interested in studying the general principles of the discipline of computing.

Denning argues quite convincingly that computer science meets practically every criterion
for being a science: It follows Francis Bacon's paradigm, by forming hypotheses and testing
them through experiments, thereby making models that explain and predict phenomena in
the world.

It studies a particular class of phenomena: artificial and natural information processes.

Denning cites Tichy's research, which found that insufficient attention to testing new ideas
and hypotheses has "lowered the credibility of our field as a science" [1], but argues that the
situation has recently begun to improve

He relies on the younger generation of computer scientists.

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