On Computing: The Fourth Great Scientific Domain
"On Computingis an unusual, and welcome, mix of conventional academic text and personal odyssey...this book offers an innovative set of tools that could kick-start debate and research on the future structure of the sciences." --John Gilbey,Nature"Paul Rosenbloom goes well beyond the argument that computing is important and pervasive. His startling and well-grounded claim is that computing has become the fourth great domain of science, alongside the traditional physical, life, and social sciences. This book should be on every scientist's desk." --Peter J. Denning, coauthor ofThe Innovator's Way; Past President of ACM"On Computingby Paul Rosenbloom explicates a novel and profound theory of the computing sciences -- much as string theory unifies and underpins physics. It is an overarching vista of how the Computing Sciences continues to develop as the fourth great scientific domain." --Ira Pohl, Associate Dean for Future Curricula and Online Education;Professor of Computer Science, University of California, Santa Cruz"Computing science has transformed the world, yet we can't even agree on its definition or where it sits in the intellectual 'org chart.'On Computingsuggests that the reason has been hiding in plain sight: computing can only be fully understood when framed as a new, fourth great domain of science. Along the way,On Computingalso provides a wonderful tour of the frontiers of computing, clarifies the nature of multidisciplinary scholarship, elucidates the symbiotic connection between science and engineering, and tantalizes us with how much more awaits us." --Haym Hirsh, Professor, Department of Computer Science, Rutgers University"Overall, this book is a splendid contribution to the philosophy of science." --Anthony J. Duben,Computing Reviews