This book looks at some of the central issues in the philosophy of computer science. It is not designed to answer all (or even any) of the philosophical questions that can be raised about the nature of computing, computers, and computer science. Rather, it is designed to “bring you up to speed” on a conversation about these issues – to give you some background knowledge – so that you can read the literature for yourself and perhaps become part of the conversation by contributing your own views.
This book is intended for readers who might know some philosophy but no computer science, readers who might know some computer science but no philosophy, and readers who know little or nothing about both! So, although most of the book will be concerned with what computer science is, we will begin by asking: What is philosophy? And, in particular: What is “the philosophy of X?” (where X = things like: science, psychology, history, etc., and, of course, computer science). …
