Gottfried Leibniz Pioneers Computational Thinking

Leibniz’s Dissertatio de arte combinatoria (“On the Combinatorial Art” 1666) was one of several cornerstone papers he would write throughout his life on concepts such as symbols, binary systems and formal logic. His voluminous writing and tinkering with machines would prove hugely influential to the development of computing.

“On the Combinatorial Art” expanded his habilitation thesis at Leipzig. In it, he proposed a system of using symbols and rules to combine ideas and discover new knowledge. His system for arranging and manipulating concepts to find answers sounds remarkably similar to what we call algorithms.

In addition to this seminal text, Leibniz decades later published the paper, “Explanation of Binary Arithmetic," in which he is credited for inventing the binary system. Leibniz also made important contributions to the field of formal logic before inventing several mechanical computational devices. His ability to synthesize knowledge throughout the ages to contribute to modern computing make him a singular figure in our story.