A research programme for object-orientation

The aim of this paper is to identify a research programme for object-orientation according to Lakatos's concepts from the theory of science. This programme will serve as a framework within which research on object-orientation can take place. Today there does not exist a general agreement as to what constitutes the core of object-orientation and a universal object-oriented model has not been defined. Lakatos suggested that scientific progress be viewed in the context of research programmes instead of individual theories. According to post-empiricism every statement is theory-impregnated. Therefore it is not possible to compare different theories objectively. If we view scientific development within the framework of research programmes, this problem is reduced, since theories within the same research programme can be compared. An analysis of the object-oriented approach, starting with a historical view of the development of object-orientation, is presented together with various definitions of what object-orientation means. On this basis a proposal for a hard core for an object-oriented research programme is put forward. This core should constitute the framework for further research. Thereafter a protecting belt is suggested wherein the interesting research topics of the research programme are to be found.