Boole & Google

Everything a computer does boils down to a simple true or false decision. A computer's circuitry then builds everything else on the basis of these values. Another way of looking at it is that a circuit is either on (one) or off (zero).

When you search for something on the Internet using a search engine, you can use Boolean operators to narrow your search. These are things like AND and OR, and also NOT.

Search engines use Boole's methods of expressing logical propositions to help you find information on the Web. We can test this out using Google and George Boole!!

1. Open Google and do a search for Boole. Look at the number of results.

2. Now do a search for Boole AND Ireland for pages that mention both.

3. Now try Boole NOT Algebra for pages that mention Boole but not his work.

Learning about George Boole on the Internet can make practical use of his Algebra!