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Factionalism versus fraternalism in computing: A plea for the latter

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Published:01 August 1978Publication History
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Abstract

Computing is currently characterized by an undesirable trend towards factionalism. Factionalism is the consequence of the immature evolutionary status of computing as an inexact science. The optimist (uniglots, rhythmists, stylizers, and communicants) and pessimist factions are described. An advocacy for a move from factionalism towards fraternalism is presented. The multidisciplinary nature of computing is discussed with its implications for alternative problem perspectives. The need for experimentalism in computing is emphasized. The proposed move from factionalism to fraternalism will encourage the balanced objectivity necessary for the further evolutionary development of computing as a formal discipline.

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        cover image ACM SIGCSE Bulletin
        ACM SIGCSE Bulletin  Volume 10, Issue 3
        Proceedings of the 9th SIGCSE symposium on Computer science education
        August 1978
        178 pages
        ISSN:0097-8418
        DOI:10.1145/953028
        Issue’s Table of Contents
        • cover image ACM Conferences
          SIGCSE '78: Proceedings of the ninth SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education
          August 1978
          178 pages
          ISBN:9781450374347
          DOI:10.1145/800130

        Copyright © 1978 ACM

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        Association for Computing Machinery

        New York, NY, United States

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        • Published: 1 August 1978

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