We find ourselves on a journey into the past. It starts at the end of the 19th century and ends with the invention of the first functioning computer. Point of origin was a basic principle of mathematics, related to which one suddenly discovered an inherent contradiction and, out of this, the risk that many mathematical conclusions could be wrong. In fact, they were not, but the effect was so startling that the need for checking the arguments for correctness as automated as possible arose. The concept of algorithm became a focus of interest and important bases for what was later referred to as mathematics were created. Several pioneers of computer science derived from this project.

This is important for us even today:

• To understand in which intellectual backdrop the computer was invented, which helps us to understand main features of our object of studying.
• Correctness is also important in computer science as faulty software might kill. The “technology” of mathematics for avoiding mistakes is unsurpassed and helpful in computer science.
• Precision in thought makes the content of ALL modules of the study course more digestible.

Even before the computer was invented, people were able to prove that some problems cannot be solved as a matter of principle (such as a perpetuum mobile in physics or the manufacturing of gold from mercury in chemistry). We learn to identify unsolvable problems and to reasonably handle them.