Information Systems in Management Science—In Praise of Syntax

I left syntax, the third branch of semiotics, as the last to be discussed (after semantics and pragmatics) because of our strange attitude toward syntax. We consider it beneath our dignity to be concerned with mere syntax, grammar or even computer programming. “I would have no difficulty mastering programming,” my friends declare. “Even my underlings and students have had no difficulty. Why should I?” But I claim that knowing you can learn programming is not the same as knowing programming.