Profile of the Day: Alan Turing

Posted June 23, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Mathematician Alan Turing was born on this day in 1912 in London, England. The pioneering computer scientist is widely recognized as the father of artificial intelligence.

Image: Alan Turing / Wikimedia Commons

From a young age, Turing excelled in mathematics and go on to study cryptology in college. During World War II, Turing played a vital role in deciphering the messages encrypted by the German’s Enigma machine. By cracking the code, the Allies gained access to crucial information that helped lead to the defeat of the Nazis in several crucial battles.

Turing continued his work with computers after the war. A pioneer in his field, Turing created the first designs for a stored-program computer. He developed an interest in the relationship between computers and intelligence, which led him to propose an experiment known as the “Turing Test.” The test attempted to define a standard for a machine to be called “intelligent.” His paper on the subject remains a significant contribution in the world of artificial intelligence.

In 1952, Turing was arrested for indecency due to his sexual orientation. At the time, homosexuality was illegal in Britain. To avoid prison, Turing was forced to undergo injections to reduce his libido. Although his work was vital and groundbreaking, Turing was stripped of his security clearance, which barred him from continuing his work. He committed suicide on June 7, 1954 at the age of 41. In 2013, Turing was granted a posthumous pardon by Queen Elizabeth II.

Have you found your connection to the brilliant mathematician? Explore Alan Turing’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re related!