Boole's Philosophy of Algebra and its Reception

Explore a thought-provoking lecture on the philosophy of algebra and its historical reception, focusing on George Boole's radical approach to symbolic reasoning. Delve into Boole's controversial claim about the legitimacy of using 'uninterpretable' expressions in algebraic computations, and examine the criticisms and interpretations his work has received over time. Analyze the speaker's reassessment of Boole's position, challenging common misdiagnoses and exploring the philosophical underpinnings of his algebraic system. Gain insights into the historical context of 19th-century discussions on the nature of algebra and the evolution of symbolic reasoning in mathematics. Consider the implications of Boole's work for the development of mathematical logic and its connection to later philosophical movements such as formalism.

Boole's Philosophy of Algebra and its Reception (David Waszek, École Normale Supérieure, Paris)