100th Anniversary of Alan Turing's birth

**Bigfella** · 24 Jun 12,, 12:31

Yesterday mathematician Alan Turing would have been 100. Turing is one of the most important & least celebrated figures of the modern era. Had his only contribution to his times been his crucial role in breaking WW2 german codes he would be rightly celebrated as a hero who saved the lives of countless soldiers & civilians. However, an even more important & remarkable achievement was his pioneering work in computers. The legacy of that work lives on in the lives of billions & has had an incalculable impact on the whole of humanity.

It is sad, therefore, that his life ended prematurely & in the midst of persecution & he is so little known today. For the crime of being homosexual Turing was hounded by the police & forced to accept chemical castration. While the cause of his death at 41 is unclear, it was ruled a suicide. In an era when the currency of fame has been debased beyond all recognition it is truly sad that Alan Turing is not better remembered. A statue here or there would be a good start.

Father of computer science Alan Turing born 100 years ago today

BBC News - Alan Turing: Society failed the genius, we must learn from his loss

**Parihaka** · 24 Jun 12,, 20:26

R.I.P. More likely his death was an accident though. If you read the coroners report it's full of 'he was gay so he must have committed suicide' claptrap.

**Albany Rifles** · 24 Jun 12,, 21:02

Originally Posted by Parihaka

R.I.P. More likely his death was an accident though. If you read the coroners report it's full of 'he was gay so he must have committed suicide' claptrap.

I am not so sure of that. He was indicted for homosexual activity and lost his security clearance. Rather than go to prison he opted for treatment with female hormones which was believed as a way to "cure" homosexuality. As with most of the new treatments available at that time (examine the literature on cortisone and the James Mason movie) much was and is unknown about the side effects.

I believe he committed suicide after being hounded for his homosexuality

**Bigfella** · 24 Jun 12,, 21:51

Originally Posted by Albany Rifles

I am not so sure of that. He was indicted for homosexual activity and lost his security clearance. Rather than go to prison he opted for treatment with female hormones which was believed as a way to "cure" homosexuality. As with most of the new treatments available at that time (examine the literature on cortisone and the James Mason movie) much was and is unknown about the side effects.

I believe he committed suicide after being hounded for his homosexuality

AR,

The evidence is equivocal. There is actually a plausible explanation as to how it might have been an accident. Evidence from friends & colleagues about state of mind is mixed. Pari is right about the judge's comments - 'who knows what this type of person is thinking' or something very similar. Either way, his treatment by authorities was appalling & the relative obscurity he has languished in since shameful.