No computer science at the computer science forum

  • Thread starter Ben1220
  • Start date
In summary, there is a misconception about the academic discipline of Computer Science in this forum, with most posts being general technology discussions. Edsger Dijkstra, a well-known Computer Scientist, stated that computer science is not just about computers, much like astronomy is not just about telescopes. The forum lacks a dedicated mentor to sift through and direct posts to the appropriate subforums, resulting in a general technology catch-all forum. The current title of "Computing and Technology" is more appropriate and inclusive than the previous title of "Technology".
  • #1
Ben1220
25
0
Taking a quick look at the posts in this forum, there is pretty much nothing here to do with the academic discipline of Computer Science. Are people here aware of that and just using this as a general technology discussion area anyway, or is there a misconception of what computer science is here? Just asking out of curiosity because in society in general there is a pretty big misconception about computer science. Edsger Dijkstra, a Computer Scientist probably most known for his graph searching algorithm said that "Computer science is as much about computers as astronomy is about telescopes." That sums it up pretty well. The academic discipline of Astronomy is about gravitational attraction between planets... ect... not about how to look after a telescope. The same applies to computer science. You could consider it the chemistry of information, in fact computer science existed before computers did.

But I see nothing to do with computer science at all here!
Not even a discussion of the most important unsolved problem in computer science, does P = NP?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Ben1220 said:
Edsger Dijkstra, a Computer Scientist probably most known for his graph searching algorithm said that "Computer science is as much about computers as astronomy is about telescopes."

(Would the lofty Edsger Dijkstra tell an experimental physicist constructing the LHC that it has little to do with physics?)

Other’s might share your interests. You might drop a suggestion to divide the computer science folder into two halves--application and theory?
 
  • #3
They built it, and people came, but some want to play cricket, some want to play ball-and-stick, and some people just want to play catch. Every once in a while, there is a ball game, though. Maybe you just need to throw a pitch?
 
  • #4
You make a good point, Ben. It seems that there just aren't too many people here who are actually into computer science as a discipline. Dividing it into application and theory would not be a solution, because most of the posts in the forum are neither applied nor theoretical CS, they're just general help desk questions. There is no solution I can see because PF just lacks the community to support a genuine CS forum.

edit: Actually, there already are specific forums for the kinds of threads that usually get posted to the CS general forum--the Technology subforum, or the Math & Science Software subforum. I wonder why people don't just post there in the first place...
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Most people here know what computer science is, and use it as a general technology forum anyway, because for some reason that was never made clear, all the former technology forum posts got dumped into that forum when it was created. There's no dedicated mentor to that forum (that I know of) to sift through and direct things to the right places, so it will probably continue to be a general technology type catch-all forum for a while to come too.
 
  • #6
Moonbear is correct. This is actually just general computer related anything. The old forum was renamed as a test a couple of years ago. Yes, it's time we get rid of the name, it's misleading and confusing.
 
  • #7
A little late to the thread, but I wanted to toss my 2 cents in that I am much happier with the new naming scheme as of right now ("Computing and Technology" vs "Programming and Comp Sci") than I was with the experiment where the main Computers forum was named "Computer Science".
 
  • #8
Coin said:
A little late to the thread, but I wanted to toss my 2 cents in that I am much happier with the new naming scheme as of right now ("Computing and Technology" vs "Programming and Comp Sci") than I was with the experiment where the main Computers forum was named "Computer Science".

I agree, it's a much better title, I also think it's better than the previous title (I think that was just "Technology"). Computing and Technology seems to do a good job of encompassing the actual content of that forum, and the range of content. Thanks to whomever thought up the new title.
 

1. What is the purpose of a computer science forum if there is no discussion about computer science?

The purpose of a computer science forum is to facilitate discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among individuals interested in computer science. While the forum may not have specific discussions about computer science, there may be other topics related to the field, such as coding languages, technology trends, or career advice.

2. Why is there a computer science forum if it does not cover computer science topics?

The computer science forum may have been created for a specific purpose, such as networking, job postings, or community building. Additionally, the forum may have evolved over time to cover a broader range of topics, including those related to computer science.

3. Can I still participate in the forum if I am not knowledgeable about computer science?

Yes, anyone can participate in the forum regardless of their level of knowledge about computer science. While some discussions may be more technical, there are also opportunities for beginners to learn and engage with others in the community.

4. Are there any plans to include computer science discussions in the forum?

This would depend on the specific goals and purpose of the forum. If the forum is meant to be a general technology forum, then it may be appropriate to include computer science discussions. However, if the forum has a different focus, it may not be necessary or relevant to include computer science topics.

5. How can I find a computer science forum to join?

You can search online for computer science forums or ask for recommendations from fellow computer science enthusiasts. Additionally, you can check with your university or workplace for any related forums or communities you can join.

Similar threads

  • Feedback and Announcements
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • Feedback and Announcements
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Programming and Computer Science
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
258
Replies
2
Views
753
  • STEM Career Guidance
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • Feedback and Announcements
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
806
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
18
Views
3K
Back
Top