Computational Thinking

Today, Dr. Philip Wadler writes a short weblog about 'Computational Thinking' and introduces some other articles.

As a graduate, even a Ph.D., of computer science major, I always ask myself about the virtue of the computer science. Is it a really science? Why it is called science rather than skill? Can it make one a better programmer? Are there any possibilities for it to make one a better human? Am I in the track worth running? Is there any worth of it to devote myself to lifelong learning in this area?

To these questsion, Dr.Wadler's favorite quote from Edgar Dijkstra from Turing Award Lecture, The Humble Programmer, answers this way:

"In their capacity as a tool, computers will be but a ripple on the surface of our culture. In their capacity as intellectual challenge, they are without precedent in the cultural history of mankind."

Nice quote. However, "Computational Thinking" by Dr. Jeannette Wing answers in another way:

"It represents a universally applicable attitude and skill set everyone, not just computer scientists, would be eager to learn and use"

In other words, it is that computational thinking, raised and acquired while studying computer science, makes one a better human. It's the conjecture I always hold in my heart. I am very delighted to find another people who has same thought. One message of her, "One can major in computer science and do anything", is surely good one. But if I'm her position, I'll rather say "Engaged with computer science? Do other thing then." It's like swordmaster's saying "Trained enough? then go and save people. People count, not a sword."

전산학 전공후 프로그래머로 사는것. 20년 동안 검술을 수련후에 검술사범으로 일하는 것과 같다. 검을 수련했으면 세상으로 나아가 사람을 구해야 하는 것이 아니었을까. Jeannette Wing 박사의 "Computational Thinking"을 읽고 든 생각이다. 대학때에 이걸 읽었으면 다른 길로 갈 가능성도 조금은 있었을지도.

P.S. HO야. 아빠나 Wing박사, Wadler박사는 전산학을 했기 때문에 그 안에 삶의 진리가 있다고 생각하는 것이다. 그러나 중요한 것은 무엇인가를 깨닫는 것일거야, 그게 무엇이든. 깨달음은 서로 통한다고 하니 말이지.