On the nature of computing

Abstract

Computing is a domain of knowledge. Knowledge is information that embedded into the right network of conceptual interrelations can be used to understand a subject or solve a problem. According to this definition, Physics, Biology but also Mathematics, Engineering, Social Sciences and Cooking are all domains of knowledge. This definition encompasses both, scientific knowledge about physical phenomena and engineering knowledge applied to design and build artefacts. For all domains of knowledge, Mathematics and Logic provide the models; they formalize a priori knowledge, which is independent of experience. Computing with Physics and Biology is a basic domain of knowledge. In contrast to the other basic domains, it is rooted in a priori knowledge and deals with the study of information processing – both what can be computed and how to compute it.