<p>A calculus is just a system of reasoning. One particular calculus (well, actually two closely related calculi: the differential calculus and the integral calculus) has become so widespread that it is just known as "calculus", as if it were the only one. But, as you have observed, there are other calculi, such as the lambda calculus, mu calculus, pi calculus, propositional calculus, predicate calculus, sequent calculus and Professor Calculus.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-11-05T22:06:36.037Z
2013-11-05T22:06:36.037Z
David Richerby
<p>The only definition of "calculus" I'm aware of is the study of limits, derivatives, integrals, etc. in analysis. In what sense is lambda calculus (or things like mu calculus) a "calculus"? How does it relate to calculus in analysis?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-11-05T18:58:42.953Z
Is has not so much to do with Calculus or Analysis, Calculus is meant here in the sense that you have definite rules to which you manipulate symbols. In german it is called "Lambda Kalkül" where the word "Kalkül" refers to such systems of rules of manipulations, and Calculus is just termed "Analysis", so there is not this interference in naming.
StefanH
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-11-05T19:20:58.477Z
My dictionary says, "calculus: a particular method or system of calculation or reasoning."
Sasho Nikolov
<terminology><lambda-calculus>
Why is lambda calculus a "calculus"?
alecbz
# Why is lambda calculus a "calculus"?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2013-11-05)

The only definition of "calculus" I'm aware of is the study of limits, derivatives, integrals, etc. in analysis. In what sense is lambda calculus (or things like mu calculus) a "calculus"? How does it relate to calculus in analysis?

**Tags:** terminology, lambda-calculus
> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Is has not so much to do with Calculus or Analysis, Calculus is meant here in the sense that you have definite rules to which you manipulate symbols. In german it is called "Lambda Kalkül" where the word "Kalkül" refers to such systems of rules of manipulations, and Calculus is just termed "Analysis", so there is not this interference in naming.  
> **username_2**: My dictionary says, "calculus: a particular method or system of calculation or reasoning."  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2013-11-05. Score: 23 | Accepted answer

A calculus is just a system of reasoning. One particular calculus (well, actually two closely related calculi: the differential calculus and the integral calculus) has become so widespread that it is just known as "calculus", as if it were the only one. But, as you have observed, there are other calculi, such as the lambda calculus, mu calculus, pi calculus, propositional calculus, predicate calculus, sequent calculus and Professor Calculus.


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