Human Intelligence

3.2.23

Since AI in the form of chatbots has finally emerged to widespread human consciousness, it’s a good time to revisit the 2014 film called “The Imitation Game,” based on the life of English mathematician and cryptologist Alan Turing.

Turing is widely considered the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence.

The film is an entertaining and mostly accurate interpretation of his life during World War II, when he worked for the British government to crack German codes.

It is also a highly relevant reminder of the terrible toll homophobia has taken on so many lives, including Turing’s, at a time certain politicians attempt to role back the advances we have made toward fair and equal treatment of all people regardless of gender or sexual preference.

After his wartime service, Turing was convicted of “gross indecency” (i.e., homosexuality) and sentenced to chemical castration, which led to his death, probably by suicide but perhaps by accident, in 1954 at the age of 41.

In 2013, Queen Elizabeth II granted Turing a posthumous Royal Pardon, honoring his work leading to the creation of the modern computer.

LINKS:

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