Born in 1806 in Madurai, Augustus De Morgan moved to the United Kingdom at seven months old, eventually establishing himself as a significant mathematician and logician. Throughout his career, he influenced developments in algebra, probability theory, and propositional calculus, while holding academic positions at University College London and maintaining a focus on mathematical logic.
Academic Formation and Early Career
De Morgan studied at Trinity College from 1823 to 1826 and later pursued legal studies at Lincoln's Inn between 1826 and 1827. In 1828, he began his long association with University College London, serving as a professor until 1831. His early professional years involved a commitment to mathematical instruction and pedagogy, reflected in his various writings on arithmetic and algebra. During this period, he also served as an honorary secretary for the Royal Astronomical Society.
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He is primarily identified for the formulation of De Morgan's laws, which establish foundational relationships between conjunction, disjunction, and negation. His intellectual output included the publication of Formal Logic; or, the Calculus of Inference, Necessary and Probable. These contributions were essential in advancing algebraic logic and mathematical logic, fields that remained central to his research and philosophical inquiry throughout his working life in London.
Professional Tenure and Later Years
Returning to University College London in 1836, De Morgan served as a professor until 1866. During his final year at the institution, he held the position of chairperson. Outside of his academic duties, he worked as a consulting actuary, applying probability theory to insurance and life contingencies. He spent his career based in London, where he continued his intellectual work until his death in 1871. He is buried at Kensal Green Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1806, Madurai
- Died: 1871, London
- Citizenship: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
- Education: Trinity College, Lincoln's Inn
- Primary Fields: Algebra, Logic, Probability Theory
- Notable Work: De Morgan's laws
- Employer: University College London
- Burial Site: Kensal Green Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What were Augustus De Morgan's primary professional fields?
He worked as a mathematician, logician, university teacher, philosopher, and lawyer, with a particular focus on algebra and probability theory.
Where did Augustus De Morgan conduct most of his academic career?
He spent the majority of his career at University College London, where he served as a professor from 1828 to 1831 and again from 1836 to 1866.
Achievements
- Notable work: A Budget of Paradoxes
- Notable work: Formal Logic; or, the Calculus of Inference, Necessary and Probable
- Notable work: De Morgan's laws
- Held posts at University College London and University College London
- Fields: mathematical logic, mathematics and algebra
