Towards a Philosophy of Computer Science

Abstract

Any philosophy of computer science [233] must describe and categorize the nature of its entities. In this regard, via their semantic definitions, the formal languages of the discipline somehow govern the subject’s ontology. Consequently, some attention must be given to the nature of these semantic accounts, and how they fix or contribute to the kinds of entity dealt with. Furthermore, any statement of the goals of computer science will highlight its methods of reaching those goals, its methodology. This will bring to the fore its claims to knowledge, its epistemology. And, while addressing these issues, we must assess if computer science raises any distinctive philosophical concerns.