Alan Turing: The Misunderstood Genius and Father of Modern Computing.

Alan Turing was a British mathematician, logician, and cryptanalyst, considered one of the fathers of computer science and artificial intelligence.

During World War II, Turing played a crucial role in breaking Nazi codes, which significantly contributed to the Allies' war effort. Despite his achievements, Turing faced persecution due to his sexual orientation, leading to his tragic death in 1954.

Father of Computer Science

But why is Alan Turing considered the father of computer science?

It's because of his work in creating the Turing machine, a theoretical model that laid the groundwork for the development of computers and modern programming. Additionally, his research in artificial intelligence has influenced the field to this day.

How did he manage to break the Nazi codes?

He did it using a machine called the "Bombe," which was designed to decipher the Enigma encryption system used by the Germans in World War II. This machine was an electromechanical device that identified possible Enigma settings by eliminating incorrect options, allowing British cryptanalysts to access enemy information.

The machine combined substitution and transposition of letters. Internal disks rotated when letters were entered, creating multiple possible combinations, which made it extremely difficult to decipher. It was used to protect German military and government communications during World War II, ensuring transmissions remained secret and inaccessible to enemies.

Which of his research has influenced artificial intelligence to this day?

The Turing Machine, the Turing Test, and the theory of computation are research areas that have influenced artificial intelligence to this day.

What does the theory of computation involve?

It involves the study of algorithms and computational problems, and their solutions using abstract machines like the Turing Machine.

What was the Turing Machine like?

It was a theoretical model that allowed for calculations and algorithm processing. It consisted of an infinite tape divided into squares, a read/write head, and a set of instructions. Its purpose was to demonstrate that any mathematical or logical problem could be solved by manipulating symbols on the tape, thus laying the groundwork for modern computers.

What is the Turing Test?

It is a way to evaluate if a machine can mimic human intelligence so well that, when interacting with a person, it is indistinguishable whether it is a human or a machine.

Work and Personal Life

Turing was born in 1912 in London, England, to parents Julius Mathison Turing and Ethel Sara Stoney. He had only one brother named John. He was introverted, eccentric, and highly intelligent. His childhood was intellectually stimulating, as he showed great skill in mathematics and science from an early age.

Where did he work and with whom to decipher the Enigma code?

He worked at Bletchley Park alongside Gordon Welchman (mathematician), Hugh Alexander (cryptanalyst), and Jack Good (mathematician). Joan Clarke (cryptanalyst and mathematician) also participated, playing an important role in deciphering the encrypted codes. She faced career challenges due to being a woman, including discrimination and less recognition compared to her male colleagues.

Photo: Joan Clarke (cryptanalyst and mathematician)

Recognition

He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1945, with the award presented by King George VI. During his lifetime, he did not receive proper recognition or compensation due to the secretive nature of his work in cryptography and the discrimination he faced because of his sexual orientation.

Despite his achievements, in 1952 he was prosecuted and convicted for being homosexual, which was illegal in the United Kingdom at the time. As a result, he underwent chemical castration (a treatment using medication to reduce the production of sex hormones and decrease sexual desire and capacity in a person). His career was severely affected due to the discrimination and persecution he faced because of his sexual orientation, impacting his career and emotional well-being, leading to a tragic end.

He died alone at his home in Wilmslow, England, in 1954, possibly by suicide from ingesting cyanide. No partner was known in his life.

In 2013, Turing was posthumously pardoned by Queen Elizabeth II.

But why was he pardoned?

Because his conviction was considered unjust and discriminatory based on the evolving social attitudes toward homosexuality.

Photo: Alan Turing, generated by AI.

Turing and the Cinema

The movie "The Imitation Game" (2014), starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley, covers the period of his life during World War II when he worked at Bletchley Park to decipher the encrypted codes of the German Enigma machine.

The film won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2015.

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To learn more:

Alan Turing Biography - National Geographic