Argument

Function (computer programming)

Overview

sequence of instructions that can be called from other points in a computer program

Overview adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0; see the article history for authors).

Possible passages

Found by search and not yet checked by a person; they may only mention the idea in passing.

1. It is clear that dealing with Biology only in its larger aspects, specialities of function do not concern us; except in so far as they serve to illustrate, or to qualify, its generalities. § 57. The first induction to be here set down is a familiar and obvious one; the induction, namely, that complexity of function is the correlative of complexity of structure. The leading aspects of this truth must be briefly noted.

   Herbert Spencer, The Principles of Biology, Volume 1

   The chapter “FUNCTION.” is titled for Function; names Function several times.

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2. For in the attempt to bring these two functions together the purposive function is swallowed up in the representative. The idea still is, or has a purpose, a "plan of action," but this purpose, this plan, is now nothing but to represent and correspond with its own final and completed form in the absolute system.

   John Dewey, Studies in Logical Theory

   Names Function several times; states what Function is.

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3. Thus there arises a classification of modes of formation, or in the language commonly used by mathematicians, a classification of Functions. Any number, considered as formed from any other number, is called a function of it; and there are as many kinds of functions as there are modes of formation. The simple functions are by no means numerous, most functions being formed by the combination of several of the…

   John Stuart Mill, A System of Logic, Ratiocinative and Inductive

   Names Function several times; states what Function is.

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Related ideas

• Alan Turing
• John von Neumann
• Konrad Zuse
• Logic programming
• Semantics
• Abstraction
• Noun
• Behavior
• Computer programming
• Compiler
• Data type
• Binary code
• Recursion (computer science)
• Clause (logic)
• Code refactoring

Place in the tradition

Part of Epiphenomenalism.

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