Defining Data Science

TL;DR

This paper defines data science as the science of exploring datanature, emphasizing its unique objects of study distinct from established sciences, amidst growing global attention.

Contribution

It introduces a novel definition of data science focusing on datanature, clarifying its scope and scientific issues.

Findings

Data science explores datanature as a new scientific object.

No consensus exists on the definition of data science.

Data science is distinct from traditional sciences.

Abstract

Data science is gaining more and more and widespread attention, but no consensus viewpoint on what data science is has emerged. As a new science, its objects of study and scientific issues should not be covered by established sciences. Data in cyberspace have formed what we call datanature. In the present paper, data science is defined as the science of exploring datanature.