In Our Time

Alan Turing

Oct 15, 2020

Leslie Ann Goldberg, a Professor of Computer Science at Oxford, discusses Turing's revolutionary contributions to the field. Simon Schaffer, a History of Science expert from Cambridge, provides context for Turing's life during the repressive social climate of his time. Andrew Hodges, Turing's biographer, shares intimate insights into Turing's struggles and genius. The conversation weaves through Turing’s groundbreaking ideas, including the Turing Test for AI, and highlights his tragic legacy and influence on computing, culminating in his recognition on the new £50 note.

53:08

Creator website

Episode guests

Andrew Hodges

Simon Schaffer

Leslie Ann Goldberg

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Turring Machine Captures What Computers Can Do

00:32

The Origins of Computing

01:21

Intro

3min

The Early Life and Legacy of Alan Turing

11min

Alan Turing: Pioneer of Computation and AI

19min

Struggles of Identity and Isolation

2min

The Legacy of Alan Turing

15min

Recognition and Legacy in Computing History

4min

Exploring Sensitive Topics and Financial Guidance

2min

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Alan Turing (1912-1954) whose 1936 paper On Computable Numbers effectively founded computer science. Immediately recognised by his peers, his wider reputation has grown as our reliance on computers has grown. He was a leading figure at Bletchley Park in the Second World War, using his ideas for cracking enemy codes, work said to have shortened the war by two years and saved millions of lives. That vital work was still secret when Turing was convicted in 1952 for having a sexual relationship with another man for which he was given oestrogen for a year, or chemically castrated. Turing was to kill himself two years later. The immensity of his contribution to computing was recognised in the 1960s by the creation of the Turing Award, known as the Nobel of computer science, and he is to be the new face on the £50 note.

With

Leslie Ann Goldberg Professor of Computer Science and Fellow of St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford

Simon Schaffer Professor of the History of Science at the University of Cambridge and Fellow of Darwin College

And

Andrew Hodges Biographer of Turing and Emeritus Fellow of Wadham College, Oxford

Producer: Simon Tillotson

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.