An Insight into the Philosophy of Computer Languages

Abstract

Computer programs don’t exist in a vacuum. They belong to a rich-socio technological context which helps in gaining an in-depth understanding of the operations and functionalities of a computer. Computers have changed how societies think and behave. Developing countries, though lagging in technological advances when compared to other countries, have been transformed by technology. However, in such countries, knowledge of computer programming, its ontologies, and epistemologies is a reserve of the few privileged scholars. Perhaps, this is due to the limited access to technology caused by the economic crisis present in third-world countries. The work of philosophy is to present knowledge in an acceptable way that will enhance the advancement and recreation of ideas thus, a philosophical perspective on programming languages for developing countries is a step in the right direction as it will bud advancements in computer language research and arouse interest in the philosophy of computer languages. This paper presents an atmosphere where a broader understanding of the philosophical concepts in computer programing languages can be derived. It gives an overview of the foundation of programming languages, highlights their developments over time, and gives the philosophical stand of the research works that have delved into the field. This paper also examines methods through which other academic disciplines have enabled the developments and advancements in computer programing languages and the contribution of computer programing to other disciplines. Should a reader gain an unbiased perspective on the debate surrounding the philosophy of computer programming languages, then, this paper would have served its purpose.