COMPUTATIONAL THINKING THE BORDERS OF MILITARY AND CIVIL ENGINEERING: A DIALOGUE BETWEEN TECHNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION AND SOCIAL PROGRESS

Abstract

This article aims to examine the evolution of computational thinking from its roots in ancient Greece to its influence on modern digital society. It highlights the early contributions of figures such as Pythagoras and Euclid, whose mathematical principles underpinned modern algorithms. Pythagoras applied mathematical relationships to music and geometry to describe patterns, while Euclid developed techniques still used in programming and theory. The article then moves to the medieval era with Hypatia of Alexandria, who improved the astrolabe and formulated division algorithms, and Archimedes, known for his method for calculating π. These mathematicians demonstrated how applied mathematics could advance human knowledge beyond practical applications. In the 20th century, Alan Turing stands out for developing machines that decoded code and played a key role during World War II, unifying the concepts of algorithms and computation. John Backus later revolutionized scientific and military research with the FORTRAN programming language. In the civilian sphere, Ada Lovelace envisioned the capabilities of Babbage's Analytical Engine beyond numerical calculation, and in the 1960s, Margaret Hamilton developed navigation software that was crucial for the Apollo program, highlighting its impact on engineering. Seymour Papert, influenced by Piaget, integrated computational thinking into education, arguing that programming strengthens reasoning. In the 21st century, Jeanette Wing articulated the importance of this thinking as a fundamental skill, preparing citizens to face challenges in a technological society. This historical overview reveals how computational thinking has transformed both technical and educational knowledge.