Computing as Empirical Science – Evolution of a Concept
Paweł Jan Polak · Studies in Logic Grammar and Rhetoric · 2016
Abstract This article presents the evolution of philosophical and methodological considerations concerning empiricism in computer/computing science. In this study, we trace the most important current events in the history of reflection on computing. The forerunners of Artificial Intelligence H.A. Simon and A. Newell in their paper Computer Science As Empirical Inquiry (1975) started these considerations. Later the concept of empirical computer science was developed by S.S. Shapiro, P. Wegner, A.H. Eden and P.J. Denning. They showed various empirical aspects of computing. This led to a view of the science of computing (or science of information processing) - the science of general scope. Some interesting contemporary ways towards a generalized perspective on computations were also shown (e.g. natural computing).