Alan Turing: True to Himself

Alan Turing: True to Himself

Alan Turing (1912-1954) was an accomplished British mathematician, logician, cryptanalyst, philosopher, physicist, and biologist. He is often referred to as the father of the modern day computer and is credited with breaking the Nazi Enigma Code. WWII British cryptographer Captain Jerry Roberts is quoted as saying, “Without him – we would have lost the war.” Soon after the end of the war, the British government awarded Turing with the Order of the British Empire for his contributions.

Turing was also openly gay and in the early 1950s was arrested and punished for his sexual orientation by the same government he served.

From his earliest days in school to his enduring legacy, Turing faced many challenges, yet, stayed true to himself by pursing his love of science and living an open, honest life.

True to Himself provides secondary educators with student handouts, suggested discussion questions, extension ideas and additional resources to help students learn more about this extraordinary man and the context in which he lived.