Perhaps the most important person you’ve never heard of, Alan Turing was the father of modern computing, theorized artificial intelligence, was vital in the Allies’ efforts to win World War II, and was gay — which led to his conviction for “lewd acts.” David Leavitt, author of The Man Who Knew Too Much discusses Turing’s achievements, his persecution by the nation he helped save, and his suicide.
Segment Guests
David Leavitt
David Leavitt is the author of, The Man Who Knew Too Much: Alan Turing and the Invention of the Computer (W. W. Norton, 2006). He is also a Professor for the Department of English at the University of Florida. He is based in Gainesville, Florida.