On the use of theory based systems to traverse educational gaps in computer system related activities

Within the general setting of engineering trustworthy computer implementations of real-world systems, the paper delineates some of the gaps between theory and practice, and between system developers and users at various levels, and suggests how existing theory based systems could be used to help bridge these gaps more effectively than is the case at present.Focus is on the gaps between conventional computer systems and theory based systems, and the gaps between knowledge and skill required for various levels of usage of the two types of system. Furthermore, identification of opportunities and tools supporting the transformation of systems and knowledge required to use them from the conventional to the theory based side will be of paramount interest.Conventional Systems are considered to be based on doctrine, a rigorous body of knowledge and methods, for implementing real-world systems by computer systems.Theory Based Systems are considered to be entirely based on theory, a formal body of knowledge and methodologies (calculi), for implementing real-world systems by trustworthy computer systems. Trustworthiness requires that all computer system components are theory based and have been verified relative the theory.The distinction between method and methodology is made to indicate that a method is a collection of rules for achieving some goal, whereas a methodology is a systematized collection of formal rules for achieving some goal supported by sound theory.Hence, to summarize, the paper is concerned with the controlled and systematic evolution from doctrine based system development to theory based system development, and the evolution of users from a doctrinal view of systems to a theory based view of systems. It tries to identify some concepts and computer based tools from both types of system which promote such evolution.