Easton’s primary theme in this essay is that those sciences that were previously regarded as “soft” (though some would disagree with his list of the soft sciences) are becoming “harder” because of the use of computing in those fields. Briefly, in order to write simulation software for any field, algorithms are needed, and the creation of these algorithms, by its nature, will “harden” the science. While Easton doesn’t seem to think that an algorithm is actually mathematics, he maintains that it is close enough to “drag” the field “closer to the throne” of mathematics, the queen of the sciences. The essay concludes that, if these sciences now require algorithmic thinking, computing courses will be needed for the education of those studying these sciences.

Though many would disagree with the details, the essay’s main point is valid and thought provoking. However, this !begs the question: When a field is “dragged to the throne,” what, if anything, is left behind?