A Titan of The 20th Century Science

Who is Alan Turing

Alan Turing, a titan of 20th-century science and a pioneer in the field of computer science, stands as a testament to human intellect, resilience, and the enduring impact of innovation. Born on June 23, 1912, in Maida Vale, London, Turing's remarkable contributions spanned various disciplines, from mathematics and cryptography to artificial intelligence. 

Turing's early years showcased his exceptional mathematical prowess. His groundbreaking work in the 1930s laid the foundations for modern computing. His conceptual machine, the Turing machine, introduced the idea of a universal computing device capable of executing any algorithm—a pivotal notion that influenced the development of digital computers.

During World War II, Turing played a pivotal role in breaking the German Enigma code, a cryptographic system considered unbreakable at the time. He led a team at Bletchley Park, where his brilliance and innovation were instrumental in deciphering encrypted messages, significantly aiding the Allied forces. The intelligence gathered from decrypting these messages is believed to have significantly shortened the war and saved countless lives.

Post-war, Turing continued to delve into pioneering work in artificial intelligence and computational biology. He envisioned machines that could simulate human intelligence, proposing what became known as the Turing Test—a benchmark for gauging a machine's ability to exhibit intelligent behavior indistinguishable from that of a human

However, amidst his achievements, Turing faced persecution due to his sexuality, which was considered criminal in the societal norms of the time. Convicted of "gross indecency" in 1952 for his homosexual relationship, he endured chemical castration, a cruel and unjust punishment. Tragically, Turing passed away on June 7, 1954, at the young age of 41, in circumstances that remain contentious to this day. 

The injustice of Turing's treatment has since been widely recognized, and his legacy has been rightfully celebrated. His impact on computer science, cryptography, and artificial intelligence remains profound. Turing's work laid the groundwork for the digital age, influencing technology in ways he might never have envisioned.

His life and contributions serve as a testament to the power of human intellect, perseverance, and the importance of societal acceptance and inclusivity. The numerous honors and acknowledgments bestowed upon Turing posthumously, including a royal pardon in 2013 and the Alan Turing Law decriminalizing homosexuality in the UK, underscore his enduring legacy and the recognition of his invaluable contributions to humanity.

Alan Turing's brilliance and pioneering spirit continue to inspire generations of scientists, computer engineers, and innovators. His legacy serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of human ingenuity and the imperative of a society that embraces diversity and values every individual's contributions.

The Turing Legend

In retrospect, Alan was under enormous pressures that his contemporaries and even close friends were unaware of. Chemical castration had transformed him into a completely different person. He felt that he could not use his mind as before, his relations with people became strange and he was alienated from himself. The perverse, reactionary and homophobic perception of the time cost the life of perhaps one of humanity's most precious geniuses. His mother thought he died from cyanide that got on his hands after a clumsy chemistry experiment. Strangely... Many of Turing's close friends believe that the cyanide Turing used to take his own life was chosen precisely to make his mother think that. So even in dying, Turing didn't want to hurt those he left behind. The half-eaten cyanide apple responsible for his death has become a symbol of Alan Turing's suicide. It is not possible for someone who knows Turing's life to continue to look at the logo of the famous technology product Apple in the same way.

Source of the legends : https://evrimagaci.org/katledilmis-deha-bilgisayar-ve-yapay-zekanin-fikir-babasi-alan-turing-27

The Documentaries of Alan Turing: