🤖 AI Summary
Algorithm engineering has long lacked a unified methodology, resulting in fragmented knowledge across subfields and poor reproducibility. To address this, this paper introduces Karl Popper’s “Three Worlds” theory—comprising ontology (clarifying problems, tasks, design, and implementation), epistemology (distinguishing descriptive from prescriptive knowledge), and methodology (systematizing knowledge evolution)—to establish the first integrated three-dimensional framework for the field. By synthesizing philosophical methodology, ontological modeling, and empirical paradigm analysis, we propose the first formal research framework for algorithm engineering, explicitly defining validity criteria for diverse scholarly contributions. This framework enhances systematicity, rigor, and cross-domain comparability in algorithm design, implementation, and evaluation. It provides foundational methodological support for disciplinary integration and advances algorithm engineering toward a mature, theory-grounded science.
📝 Abstract
Research on algorithms has drastically increased in recent years. Various sub-disciplines of computer science investigate algorithms according to different objectives and standards. This plurality of the field has led to various methodological advances that have not yet been transferred to neighboring sub-disciplines. The central roadblock for a better knowledge exchange is the lack of a common methodological framework integrating the perspectives of these sub-disciplines. It is the objective of this paper to develop a research framework for algorithm engineering. Our framework builds on three areas discussed in the philosophy of science: ontology, epistemology and methodology. In essence, ontology describes algorithm engineering as being concerned with algorithmic problems, algorithmic tasks, algorithm designs and algorithm implementations. Epistemology describes the body of knowledge of algorithm engineering as a collection of prescriptive and descriptive knowledge, residing in World 3 of Popper's Three Worlds model. Methodology refers to the steps how we can systematically enhance our knowledge of specific algorithms. The framework helps us to identify and discuss various validity concerns relevant to any algorithm engineering contribution. In this way, our framework has important implications for researching algorithms in various areas of computer science.
