Arthur Walter Burks
Arthur Walter Burks (October 13, 1915 – May 14, 2008) was a prominent American mathematician and logician who played a critical role in the development of early electronic computers. He is best known for his work as a senior engineer on the ENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic digital computer. His contributions were not only pivotal in the field of computing but also influential in theories of logic and mathematics.
Early Life and Education
Arthur Burks was born in Duluth, Minnesota and pursued his education at DePauw University, earning his undergraduate degree in 1936. He continued his studies at the University of Michigan, where he obtained his Ph.D. in philosophy, focusing on the philosophy of logic and mathematics.
Contributions to Computing
Burks' most significant contribution came during his time working with the United States Army during World War II. He was a senior engineer on the ENIAC project, where he collaborated with other computing pioneers such as John Presper Eckert and John Mauchly. The ENIAC, completed in 1945, was a groundbreaking project in the history of computing, laying the foundation for future developments in digital technology.
Later, Burks, along with Herman Goldstine and John von Neumann, was involved in the conceptual design of the IAS Machine at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. This work further advanced the architecture of modern computers.
Research in Logic and Theory
In addition to his engineering feats, Burks made substantial contributions to the field of logic. He was instrumental in developing theories related to reverse Polish notation and logical nets. His publication, "Theory of Logical Nets," co-authored with Jesse Bowdle Wright in 1952, explored the mathematical underpinnings of computational circuits.
Personal Life and Legacy
Arthur Burks was married to Alice Rowe Burks, with whom he co-authored several works, including an exploration of the controversial claim regarding the derivation of the ENIAC from John Vincent Atanasoff. The couple were avid researchers and writers in the history and philosophy of computing.
Burks' legacy includes not only his technical contributions but also his influence as an educator and mentor to future generations of mathematicians and computer scientists. His work continues to be recognized in the fields of computer science, logic, and philosophy.