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 not a passive recipient of knowledge, but an active agent in its acquisition.
The progress of science is the progress of human thought.
The laws of logic are not arbitrary, but are founded in the nature of the human mind.
The true method of discovery is to imagine what we do not know, and then to try to find it.
The most important truths are often the simplest.
The study of mathematics is the study of the human mind.
The laws of thought are the same for all men, in all ages, and in all countries.
The power of reasoning is the highest power of the human mind.
The language of mathematics is the language of nature.
The true logic of this world is in the calculus of probabilities.
Of the many forms of false culture, a premature converse with abstractions is perhaps the most likely to prove fatal to the growth of a masculine vigour of intellect.
To be able to dispense with the aid of sensible illustrations in the pursuit of truth, is the surest proof of a high degree of mental cultivation.
The education of the mind is the leading forth of the powers of the human soul.
The highest exercise of the human intellect is the contemplation of truth.
The laws of thought are the foundation of all certainty.
The union of mathematical and logical thought is the most perfect form of human reasoning.
The aim of logic is to give rules for the guidance of the mind in its search for truth.
The process of thought is a process of calculation.
The world of thought is a world of relations.
Contemporaries of George Boole
Other Mathematicss born within 50 years of George Boole (1815–1864).