The Nature of Computation and The Development of Computational Models
Mark Burgin, Gordana Dodig-Crnković · 2013
Abstract. This paper presents a study in the nature of computation, contributing with computation typologies: essential, spatial, temporal, representational and hierarchy-level based. Drawing from the historical development of the idea of number we argue that the concept of computation necessarily must develop. We thus address the development of models of computation, with emphasis on natural/physical/embodied computation and unconventional computing. Our analysis suggests that much better understanding of computation is needed than we have today. Finally, we propose possible directions for future research. 1