In the history of mathematics and computer science, symbolic logic was developed by which of the following pioneers?

Introduction / Context:
This general knowledge question links mathematical logic with the foundations of computer science. Symbolic logic uses symbols to represent logical expressions and operations such as AND, OR and NOT. These ideas form the basis of Boolean algebra and digital circuit design. Many early computer scientists and mathematicians made important contributions, but one person is especially associated with the development of symbolic logic and the algebra that now carries his name. Recognising this person helps you connect abstract logic to practical computing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The subject is symbolic logic, which underlies Boolean algebra and digital logic.
• Options include Herman Hollerith, John von Neumann, George Boole, Sun Microsystems and Alan Turing.
• We assume standard historical accounts of the development of formal logic used in computation.
• The question asks who discovered or developed symbolic logic in this context.

Concept / Approach:
George Boole, a nineteenth century mathematician, developed an algebraic system for logic that later became known as Boolean algebra. His work used symbols to represent logical statements and operations, forming the foundation of symbolic logic that is now used in digital circuit design and computer science. Herman Hollerith contributed to punched card tabulating machines, John von Neumann worked on computer architecture, and Alan Turing contributed to computability theory and early computing devices. Sun Microsystems is a company, not a person. Therefore, when asked specifically about symbolic logic in this exam context, George Boole is the correct choice.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Histories of mathematics and computer science consistently credit George Boole with creating an algebraic approach to logic in the mid nineteenth century. His work allowed logical statements to be manipulated algebraically, which later proved essential for designing digital circuits and programming languages. Digital electronics textbooks explicitly refer to Boolean algebra as the mathematical basis for logic gates. Meanwhile, references to John von Neumann focus on stored program architecture, and Herman Hollerith appears in discussions about early data processing machines. This clear mapping of contributions verifies that the correct answer for symbolic logic is George Boole.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Herman Hollerith: Known for punched card tabulating machines used in census data processing, not for symbolic logic.
• John von Neumann: Important for modern computer architecture and the concept of the stored program, not the originator of symbolic logic.
• Sun Microsystems: A technology company, not a person or mathematician.
• Alan Turing: A key figure in computability and early computing machines, but not the developer of symbolic logic as an algebraic system.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes choose von Neumann or Turing because they recognise the names from other computer science topics. However, this question is specifically about symbolic logic and Boolean algebra. A simple way to avoid confusion is to link the word Boolean with Boole, which directly points to George Boole. Whenever you see a question mentioning symbolic logic or Boolean algebra, remembering this name pairing will help you quickly select the correct answer even when other famous names are present in the options.

Final Answer:
Symbolic logic, which led to Boolean algebra, was developed by George Boole.