The Role of Models in Computer Science

Taking Brian Cantwell Smith's study, "Limits of Correctness in Computers," as its point of departure, this article explores the role of models in computer science. Smith identifies two kinds of models that play an important role, where specifications are models of problems and program...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Monist 1999-01, Vol.82 (1), p.20-36
Main Author: Fetzer, James H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abstract entities
Architectural models
Computer programming
Computer science
Computer systems
Conceptualization
Language translation
Mathematical functions
Model theory
Philosophy
Programming languages
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Summary:Taking Brian Cantwell Smith's study, "Limits of Correctness in Computers," as its point of departure, this article explores the role of models in computer science. Smith identifies two kinds of models that play an important role, where specifications are models of problems and programs are models of possible solutions. Both presuppose the existence of conceptualizations as ways of conceiving the world "in certain delimited ways." But high-level programming languages also function as models of virtual (or abstract) machines, while low-level programming languages function as models of causal (or physical) machines. The resulting account suggests that sets of models embedded within models are indispensable for computer programming.
ISSN:0026-9662
2153-3601
DOI:10.5840/monist19998211