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 laws of thought are the laws of the universe, in so far as the universe is an object of human apprehension.
The laws of thought are the laws of the universe, in so far as the universe is an object of human comprehension.
The laws of thought are the laws of the universe, in so far as the universe is an object of human cognition.
I am now about to enter upon a new career, and I trust that I shall be enabled to discharge its duties with fidelity and success.
The study of mathematics is not only an excellent discipline for the mind, but it is also a source of great pleasure and satisfaction.
I have been much occupied of late with the subject of Logic, and I think I have made some discoveries which will be of importance.
My object has been to investigate the fundamental laws of those operations of the mind by which reasoning is performed.
I am convinced that the true logic is mathematical logic.
The great problem of the human mind is to discover the laws of its own operations.
I have always felt that there is a deep connection between mathematics and the human intellect.
My work is an attempt to give to the science of Logic a new and more profound foundation.
I believe that the principles of logic are universal and apply to all forms of reasoning.
The laws of thought are not arbitrary, but are founded in the very nature of the human mind.
I am very happy in my new situation, and I find the duties of my professorship very agreeable.
I have often thought that the study of language is closely connected with the study of logic.
My aim has been to reduce the operations of the mind to a system of mathematical symbols.
I am convinced that the future of logic lies in its mathematical development.
The human mind is capable of understanding the most complex truths, if only it is properly guided.
I find great satisfaction in the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake.
The beauty of mathematics lies in its simplicity and its power.
Contemporaries of George Boole
Other Mathematicss born within 50 years of George Boole (1815–1864).