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 human mind is capable of finding joy in the simple things of life, and of appreciating the present moment.
The pursuit of a meaningful life is a journey of self-discovery, and of contributing to the greater good.
The human mind is capable of facing death with dignity and acceptance, and of finding peace in the end.
No general method for the solution of questions in the theory of probabilities can be established which does not explicitly recognise the distinct cases of simple and compound events, and the distinct nature of the relations which connect them.
The laws of thought are not, properly speaking, laws of the mind, but laws of the universe.
The operations of the mind are governed by laws which are as fixed and unchangeable as the laws of the material universe.
The science of Logic, though it may be said to be conversant with the laws of the understanding, is not therefore a branch of the science of mind.
The true ground of Logic is not to be sought in the principles of a rational psychology, but in the laws of an ideal language.
The laws of thought are not arbitrary, but are founded in the nature of things.
The human mind is not a tabula rasa, but is endowed with certain innate laws of thought.
The ultimate object of all logical inquiry is to ascertain the laws of the human understanding.
The laws of thought are not merely descriptive, but are also prescriptive.
The science of Logic is not a mere collection of rules, but a systematic exposition of the laws of thought.
The laws of thought are not dependent upon language, but are prior to it.
The true method of Logic is not to be found in the syllogism, but in a more general calculus.
The operations of the mind are not arbitrary, but are subject to fixed laws.
The science of Logic is not a mere art, but a true science.
The laws of thought are not confined to the human mind, but are universal.
The true nature of Logic is not to be found in its practical applications, but in its theoretical principles.
The laws of thought are not derived from experience, but are innate.
Contemporaries of George Boole
Other Mathematicss born within 50 years of George Boole (1815–1864).