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And actually Boole is only dealing with two distinguishable states. Any two distinguishable physical states can be used to define binary 1 and 0. But in general
by javajosh 3y ago
And actually Boole is only dealing with two distinguishable states. Any two distinguishable physical states can be used to define binary 1 and 0. But in general, any N distinguishable states can be used to form an algebra. N=2 is just the simplest, most elegant, and what most real computers are based on. I've heard rumors that an N=3 computer exists, aka 'ternary' (EDITed) but I have my doubts. On the math side you can turn the integers into a discreet N-part thing with modulus.
- ccppurcell 3y agoThe word is ternary, and Ternary Computer is a Wikipedia page you could read if you're interested.
- grahamlee 3y agoNo, Boole was dealing with probabilities. The first half of his investigation on the laws of thought is all ones and zeroes, but the second half admits any value in between.
- helf 3y agoTernary based computers are far from a rumor. They are flipping cool tbh. I wish more was done with the idea. Balanced ternary is beautiful.
- coldtea 3y ago>I've heard rumors that an N=3 computer exists, aka 'ternary' (EDITed) but I have my doubts Rumours? This is the internet. Rumour to research is a few clicks away. They did exist: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setun https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setun