To check if a variable is boolean is one thing, to evaluate if the value of a variable represents a boolean condition (true or false) is another.

Here is a simple function that checks the status of the received variable in regard to boolean equivalencies (case-insensitive).

<?php
/** 
 * Check "Booleanic" Conditions :)
 *
 * @param  [mixed]  $variable  Can be anything (string, bol, integer, etc.)
 * @return [boolean]           Returns TRUE  for "1", "true", "on" and "yes"
 *                             Returns FALSE for "0", "false", "off" and "no"
 *                             Returns NULL otherwise.
 */
function is_enabled($variable)
{
    if (!isset($variable)) return null;
    return filter_var($variable, FILTER_VALIDATE_BOOLEAN, FILTER_NULL_ON_FAILURE);
}
?>

Of course, it is a simplistic approach, but for the majority of cases it will do the job right.

And, just to put the thing from the right perspective, here's a real function that does what Phill disclosed:

<?php
/** 
 * Convert $variable to boolean (adapted from Phill answer)
 *
 * @param  [mixed]  $variable  Can be anything
 * @return [boolean]           Returns the booelan equivalent to $variable based on Zend Enegine interpretation
 */
function to_bool($variable) 
{ 
    return (bool)$variable;
}
?>

I hope it helps someone. Happy coding.