Alan Turing, celebrated as the “father of computer science,” was a brilliant mathematician and scientist. Born in London in 1912, Turing showed exceptional talent in mathematics and science from a young age. At 16, he understood Albert Einstein’s work without difficulty. This intelligence carried him through studies at Cambridge University and later at Princeton University in the US, where he further explored complex mathematical theories.
In 1936, Turing introduced the concept of the Turing machine, a theoretical device for solving mathematical problems. He described it as having an infinite tape on which symbols could be read, interpreted, and modified. With simple instructions, the machine performed complex tasks. His work proved calculations could be automated and laid the foundation for modern computing.
During World War II, Turing’s genius played a critical role. At Bletchley Park, the British codebreaking center, he led a team that developed a machine called the Bombe. This invention cracked German secret messages and helped the Allies win. His contributions significantly shortened the war and saved millions of lives.
After the war, Turing continued advancing computing and artificial intelligence. He developed the famous Turing test to assess if a computer could show intelligence equivalent to that of a human. However, his career was cut short due to his being homosexual, as homosexual acts were illegal in the UK at the time. In 1952, he was convicted and forced to undergo chemical hormonal treatment to curb his homosexuality. Tragically, he died two years later at age 41.
Decades after his death, society began to acknowledge the injustice Turing had endured. In 2013, the British government pardoned him. To recognize his contributions, his portrait was chosen to appear on Britain’s ￡50 note in 2021. This is a tribute to his lasting impact on science and humanity. The next time you use a digital device, take a moment to remember Turing’s groundbreaking work.
艾倫圖靈，被譽為「電腦科學之父」，是一位傑出的數學家和科學家。圖靈於西元 1912 年出生於倫敦，自小就在數學和科學領域展現非凡才能。16歲時，他就能毫不費力地理解阿爾伯特愛因斯坦的著作。這樣的聰明才智讓他進入劍橋大學就讀，並在之後前往美國的普林斯頓大學，在那裡深入研究複雜的數學理論。
西元 1936 年，圖靈提出了圖靈機的概念，一種用於解決數學問題的理論裝置。他將其描述為一種擁有無限長紙帶的機器，可以讀取、解釋和修改其上的符號。透過簡單的指令，這台機器可以執行複雜的任務。他的研究證明了計算可以自動化，並為現代電腦學奠定了基礎。
在第二次世界大戰期間，圖靈的天才發揮了關鍵作用。在英國的密碼破解中心布萊切利莊園，他領導的團隊開發了一種名為「Bombe」的機器。這項發明破解了德國的秘密訊息並幫助同盟國贏得勝利。他的貢獻大大縮短了戰爭時間並挽救了數百萬人的生命。
戰後，圖靈繼續推動電腦學和人工智慧的發展。他提出了著名的「圖靈測試」來評估一台電腦是否能夠表現出與人類相當的智慧。然而，由於他是同性戀，這在當時的英國是非法的，他的職業生涯因此被迫提前結束。西元 1952 年，他被判有罪並被迫接受化學荷爾蒙治療以抑制他的同性戀傾向。不幸的是，他在兩年後去世，享年 41 歲。
在圖靈過世幾十年後，社會開始承認他所遭受的不公待遇。西元 2013 年，英國政府赦免了他。為了表彰他的貢獻，他的肖像在西元 2021 年被選為英國50鎊紙鈔上的圖案。這是對他對科學和人類作出的持久影響的致敬。下次當你使用數位設備時，請花點時間緬懷圖靈的開創性工作。
MORE INFORMATION
computing n. 電腦學
mathematician n. 數學家
automated adj. 自動化的
codebreaking n. 密碼破譯
the Allies n.（第二次世界大戰期間的）同盟國
hormonal adj. 荷爾蒙的
curb vt. 抑制；控制
homosexuality n. 同性戀
injustice n. 不公正；非正義
groundbreaking adj. 創新的；開創性的
KEY VOCABULARY
1. exceptional adj. 傑出的；特殊的
Monica is a truly exceptional employee; we are lucky to have her at our company.
莫妮卡確實是一名優秀的員工；我們真是幸運，有她在我們公司。
2. calculation n. 計算（結果）；估算
Nicholas checked his calculations several times to avoid any mistakes in the report.
尼可拉斯多次檢查他的計算，以避免報告出現任何錯誤。
3. foundation n. 基礎；地基；基金會
The foundation of a strong relationship is trust, honesty and communication.
牢固關係的基礎是信任、誠實和溝通。
4. genius n. 天才；天賦
Scott is a genius when it comes to technology and can fix any computer problem.
史考特在科技方面是個天才，任何電腦問題他都能解決。
5. invention n. 發明（物）；創造
The scientist has come up with a new invention: a car with solar panels built onto the roof.
這名科學家想出了一個新發明：一輛在車頂上設有太陽能板的車。
6. assess vt. 評估；評價
Before Nathan was hired, the manager assessed his classroom performance by watching him teach a demo class.
在納森被聘用前，那位經理觀看他的教學演示以評估他的課堂表現。
7. convict v. 判定有罪
The court convicted Matthew of murder after reviewing all the evidence.
法庭在審查所有證據後判定馬修犯有謀殺罪。
8. tragically adv. 悲慘地
Tragically, none of the passengers on the plane survived the crash.
悲慘的是，機上乘客沒有人倖免於難。
9. humanity n. 人類（不可數）；人性
This medical discovery could benefit all of humanity, but further testing needs to be done to ensure it’s safe.
這項醫學發現對全人類都有助益，但還需做進一步的測試以確保它的安全性。
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