The debate over the definition of computer science is as old
as our discipline itself.In
1987, he wrote "...the core challenge for computing science
is hence a conceptual one: what (abstract) mechanisms we
can conceive without getting lost in complexities of our own
making." [3] The problem with Dijkstra's definition is that
it ignores implementation issues. These issues are very
important to many computer scientists. A good example of a broad definition is the one given
by Newell, Perils, and Simon in 1967. Their definition simply states that "computer science is the study of computers."The Computing Sciences Accreditation Board
(CSAB) has tried to improve on this definition.On the other hand, a broad defirfition will
include all relevant cases but might also include some concepts that are marginally legitimate at best.In his definition, Dijkstra
prefers to limit our discipline to an intellectual exercise.2.