Britain says sorry to computing pioneer Alan Turing

[Swede]

Turing is best known for his code-cracking work during World War II – popularised in the movie Enigma – and his groundbreaking research into artificial intelligence.

"Turing was a quite brilliant mathematician, most famous for his work on breaking the German Enigma codes," Mr Brown said in a statement.

"It is no exaggeration to say that, without his outstanding contribution, the history of World War II could well have been very different."

In 1952, Turing was convicted for homosexual acts and received an experimental punishment of chemical castration.

Two years later, at age 41, he committed suicide with a cyanide-laced apple.

http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,28348,26058559-5014239,00.html

[Dennis Donovan]

1. Heartily recommended!

:thumbsup:

[ixion]

2. This hypocrisy of civilization

So the guy did something extraordinary, and how was he rewarded? Why, chemical castration and exile, of course.

And now, more than 50 years later, they say "Oops. Our bad. Sorry."

And you know, that really just doesn't cut it.

[izquierdista]

3. What more can you say?

Other than your parents and grandparents did some pretty stupid things. Which is why it is important to study history and learn from those mistakes instead of repeat them.

[ixion]

4. It's has gone on this way for centuries

and yes, I agree about reading history. Which is why it is so frustrating watching us repeat it. :banghead:

[RB TexLa]

5. Just one thing those people owe humanity an apology for.