Abstract

We study Frege's influence on computer science mainly from the viewpoint of the formal aspect of Frege's Begriffsschrift. We argue that his analysis of a function as an unsaturated entity is related to the notion of higher-order abstract syntax in computer science, and his way of explaining Begriffsschrift should shed light on the future design of a common meta language for various mathematical systems. We also point out the influence of Frege on Martin-Löf's type theories, which led to the revival of the notion of judgment which was once almost forgotten in mathematical logic.