George Boole
An English mathematician and philosopher, creator of Boolean algebra, which is fundamental to computer science.
Most quoted
"The design of the following treatise is to investigate the fundamental laws of those operations of the mind by which reasoning is performed; to give expression to them in the language of a Calculus, and upon this foundation to establish the science of Logic and construct its method; to make that method itself the basis of a general method for the application of the mathematical doctrine of Probabilities; and, finally, to collect from the various elements of truth brought to view in the course of these inquiries some probable intimations concerning the nature and constitution of the human mind."
— from An Investigation of the Laws of Thought, 1854
"The design of the following treatise is to investigate the fundamental laws of those operations of the mind by which reasoning is performed; to give expression to them in the language of a Calculus, and upon this foundation to establish the science of Logic and construct its method; to make that method itself the basis of a general method for the application of the mathematical doctrine of Probabilities; and finally, to collect from the various elements of truth brought to view in the course of these inquiries some probable intimations concerning the nature and constitution of the human mind."
— from An Investigation of the Laws of Thought, 1854
"We may in fact lay aside the logical interpretation of the symbols in the given equation; convert them into quantitative symbols, susceptible only of the values 0 and 1; perform upon them as such all the requisite processes of solution; and finally restore to them their logical interpretation."
— from An Investigation of the Laws of Thought, 1854
All quotes by George Boole (339)
The study of the laws of thought is the study of the laws of the human mind.
The human mind is capable of apprehending truth, and of distinguishing it from error.
Truth is the agreement of our thoughts with the reality of things.
The ultimate object of all research is to discover truth.
The human mind is not a passive recipient of impressions, but an active agent in the construction of knowledge.
The power of abstraction is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the human mind.
The human mind is capable of forming general conceptions, and of reasoning from them.
The laws of thought are not arbitrary, but are founded in the very nature of things.
The human mind is capable of discerning order and harmony in the universe.
The pursuit of knowledge is one of the noblest occupations of the human mind.
The human mind is capable of self-reflection, and of contemplating its own nature.
The laws of thought are universal, and apply to all rational beings.
The human mind is capable of progress, and of advancing in knowledge and wisdom.
The study of mathematics is the study of the laws of the universe, so far as the universe is an object of number and magnitude.
The human mind is capable of discovering the hidden connections between things.
The laws of thought are the foundation of all reasoning, whether in science, philosophy, or everyday life.
The human mind is capable of creating new ideas, and of extending the boundaries of knowledge.
The pursuit of truth is a never-ending journey, but one that is always rewarding.
The human mind is capable of appreciating the beauty of nature, and of art.
The laws of thought are not merely descriptive, but also prescriptive, guiding us in our search for truth.
Contemporaries of George Boole
Other Mathematicss born within 50 years of George Boole (1815–1864).