I am honored to be here today on behalf of my great uncle George Boole, who is being inducted into the “Dead Mathematicians Hall of Fame.” Although, my uncle George died at the early age of 49, he had accomplished and helped others to accomplish a great many things that have impacted the world of math and technology forever.
Of his many achievements, he is best known for his “invention of Boolean algebra, which is the foundation of all modern computer arithmetic.” (Encyclopedia of World Biography) My uncle is regarded in retrospect “as one of the founders of the field of computer science,” even though computers did not exist in his day. (OpposingViewpoints Resource Center) “Many of his works influenced and were refined by William Stanley Jevons, Augustus De Morgan, Charles Peirce, and William Ernest Johnson.” (Wickipedia) Most people thought of his work as being relatively obscure except among logicians, and seemed to have no practical use. However, about seventy years after my uncle’s death, Claude Shannon discovered his Boolean algebra theory while taking a philosophy class at the University of Michigan. Having found this theory extremely fascinating, “Shannon went on to write a master’s thesis at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in which he showed how Boolean algebra could optimize the design of systems of electromechanical relays then used in telephone routing switches.” (Wickipedia) “Shannon also proved that circuits with relays could solve Boolean algebra problems. Employing the properties of electrical switches to do logic is the basic concept that underlies all modern electronic digital computers.” (Wickipedia) Hence, Boolean algebra became the foundation of practical digital circuit design. Thus, my uncle George along with Shannon provided the theoretical grounding for the Digital Age.
The personal character of my uncle inspired all his friends with deep esteem. He was truly a modest man who dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth. “He neither sought nor received the ordinary rewards to which his discoveries would entitle him.” (OpposingViewpoints
Resource Center) For these reasons, I am delighted and proud to partake in this distinguished ceremony. My great uncle is well deserving of this gesture of notoriety and I extend my deepest appreciation to all of those who contributed to helping him gain this prestigious award of recognition.
Works Cited
“George Boole.” Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2nd ed. 17 Vols. Gale Research, 1998
http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/HistRC
“George Boole.” OpposingViewpoints Resource Center, March 27, 2004
http://galenet.galegroup.com/itw/OVRC
“George Boole.”-Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
