Computer Science: Not about Computers, Not Science

This paper makes two claims about the fundamental nature of computer science. In particular, I claim that—despite its name—the field of computer science is neither the study of computers, nor is it science in the ordinary sense of the word. While there are technical exceptions to both claims, the nature, purpose, and ultimately the crucial contributions of the beautiful discipline of computer science is still widely misunderstood. Consequently, a clearer and more consistent understanding of its essential nature would have an important impact on the awareness of students interested in computing, and would communicate a more informed perspective of computer science both within academia and in the larger society.