5
$\begingroup$

Sometimes we get questions which are "theoretical questions in computer science", but are not "theoretical computer science" questions. Other areas in computer science (e.g. computer networks, ...) also sometimes study theoretical questions (formulated in rigorous mathematics).

Although these questions are not typical topics in theoretical computer science, they are theoretical questions that a theoretical computer scientist may find interesting and can answer. So I don't think being welcoming to them will cause a problem. What do you think?

ps: obviously the usual research level criteria would still apply to them, e.g. if the question is of the level of a typical undergrad course/textbook exercise then it will be off-topic.

$\endgroup$
6
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ I am not getting it: can you give an example? $\endgroup$
    – Artem Kaznatcheev Mod
    Aug 4, 2011 at 17:33
  • $\begingroup$ I'd prefer an example as well. I often find that these kinds of abstract policy issues are easier to review in the context of specific questions. In general though, I think questions of the kind described above are perfectly welcome: this reminds me of our discussion on questions about modelling. $\endgroup$
    – Suresh Venkat
    Aug 4, 2011 at 18:08
  • $\begingroup$ I think Kaveh might be referring to the following question: cstheory.stackexchange.com/questions/7605/… since he used similar words in a comment he posted there around the same time he asked this question. I think the topic of that question is in scope, but the specific question is a poor one. It is one of the "here's a big field, can you tell me the best reference". Although, I guess such questions are fine on cstheory, they are not ones I enjoy. $\endgroup$
    – Artem Kaznatcheev Mod
    Aug 4, 2011 at 18:34
  • $\begingroup$ @Artem Kaznatcheev: yes, that was the most recent example, but we had a number of similar cases previously. $\endgroup$
    – Kaveh
    Aug 4, 2011 at 19:14
  • $\begingroup$ how about this example: cstheory.stackexchange.com/questions/427/… $\endgroup$
    – Marcos Villagra
    Aug 5, 2011 at 0:28
  • $\begingroup$ @Marcos Villagra: I think that question is on-topic (although it is not a good question, it is very unfocused). $\endgroup$
    – Kaveh
    Aug 5, 2011 at 11:03

0

Reset to default

You must log in to answer this question.

Browse other questions tagged .