Datalogy - the Copenhagen tradition of computer science (Q1117684)

In Denmark, computer science is called datalogy, a term suggested by Peter Naur. The paper describes the development of datalogy in Denmark, particularly the influence of Naur's ideas on computer science education and training, e.g., orientation toward applicability, a Theory Building view of programming, early involvement of students in large projects, an emphasis on underlying principles (rather than encyclopedic but superficial coverage), etc. Some sample quotes (all from Naur): ``Problems exist only in the minds of people and only relative to understood tools. Tools only exist as such in so far as some people think of them as the proper things which to solve some problems.'' ``The great danger of problem-oriented languages is... that they will tend to perpetuate a view of the problem which is appropriate to an obsolete tool.'' ``The most helpful approach [is] to have the student work on concrete problems under guidance, in an active and constructive environment.''