[Edu-sig] Question ?

[Arthur]

> >
> > Your question implies that we have a definition of programming! ;-)

"Programming" is indeed just a word. In the realm of the "politics of
education", this is a dangerous situation. Words are played with. 

So an appeal to authority is not inappropriate. 

I choose Edsger W.Dijkstra:

http://www.cs.virginia.edu/~evans/cs655/readings/ewd498.html

"""
Programming is one of the most difficult branches of applied mathematics;
the poorer mathematicians had better remain pure mathematicians.
"""

He also shows the way to a degree of reconciliation in the debate of Laura
and myself.

"""
Besides a mathematical inclination, an exceptionally good mastery of one's 
native tongue is the most vital asset of a competent programmer
"""

But let's not get carried away:

"""
Projects promoting programming in "natural language" are intrinsically
doomed to fail.
"""

Art