Science Spotlight: Alan Turing pt.2

In 1936, Alan Turing theorized a simple computer that consisted of a reader and an endless reel of symbols (numbers, letters, etc).  Even though he wrote about this machine almost a decade before the first electronic computer was developed, this basic theory has become the backbone of modern algorithmic computation.  Check out this link for a workable Java "Turing Machine".  The machine threorized by a young Alan Turing had the possiblility of bridging the gap between human cognition and mechanical artificial intelligence, since it mimics basic cellular processes and computation. 

Turing's AI work didn't stop with his machine however; he later developed the Turing Test, a test where a blinded interrogator must ask questions to a human and a machine that are both trying to prove themselves human.  If a machine is able to "trick" the questioner, then it is said to have passed the test.  Here is the original paper writen about the Turing Test, I really recommend reading it if you like mind puzzles.  Also here are some relational maps describing the debate on whether computers can actually 'think' and if the Turing Test actually works.

Science Spotlight: Alan Turing

Last week Prime Minister Gordon Brown apologized to Alan Turing on behalf of all of England, calling Mr. Turing "a real war hero".  Over half a century has passed since Alan Turing committed suicide instead of facing a prison sentence or continued estrogen injections; the two options for being gay in England at that time, but his revolutionary endeavors are still changing academic thought in computer science, chemistry, mathmatics, biology, and cryptoanalyics.

This week Science.Blog.Science will be dedicating a series of posts to the work of Alan Turing and the effect he has had on all science and humanity.  As always, I really appreciate any relevant posted material or links to the subject.