In “Code-Breaker,” Jim Holt reveals Alan Turing, a highly intelligent individual but someone who also possesses both personal and military secrets that make him a very unique person to study. Although Turing is credited with being the major contributor to breaking the Nazi’s Enigma Code and creating a blueprint for the modern computer, his life and death remain somewhat of a mystery (Holt, 2008, p. 337). Holt writes an intriguing but complicated essay on this man.
The purpose of Holt’s essay is to examine the outstanding accomplishments achieved by Turing during his life time, as well as the circumstances surrounding his death. Throughout Holt’s essay, he goes into great detail in describing some of Turing’s machines or the way they worked, culminating in some very complicated reading. “For instance, there could be no Turing machine that, when fed with the program number of another machine, would decide whether that machine would eventually come to a halt in its computation or would grind on forever” (Holt, 2008, pg. 340). He also analyzes David Leavitt’s biography of Alan Turing, criticizing many of the statements made by Leavitt. His criticism does not add value to his essay. On the other hand, Holt’s portrayal of Turing is fascinating. Holt paints a picture of a very complicated individual; beginning with his childhood when his parents leave him with an army couple in England before they return to India. With all of his achievements, in many ways Turing’s led a solitary life and was convicted of “gross indecency for having a homosexual affair” two years before his death (Holt, 2008, p. 337).
The breaking of the German Enigma Code, which “helped save Britain from defeat in the dark days of 1941 is one of Turing’s most outstanding contributions (Holt, 2008, p.337). For this achievement alone, Turing would have been hailed a hero of his time. According to Holt, Turing’s role in World War II was considered top secret, and even after the war had ended, information about the deciphering of the Enigma was not released. The Enigma, considered by all except Turing to be unbreakable, was very complex and was used for the Nazi’s communication in the attacks on their enemies. Unfortunately, some of Turing’s outstanding contributions were not recognized until years later after his death.
Holt’s description of Turing’s shows a man who had a deep love for science, mathematics, problem solving, and logic. While his life is marred with some tragic events, Holt gives full credit to Turing for his decoding of the German Enigma and the countless lives that were saved as a result of his work. While Turing’s death remains a mystery, Holt believes that Turing would never have committed suicide. As Holt states “we’re prepared for a life story that, though steeped in logic and mathematics, is part mystery, part parable of sexual politics, part fairy tale" (Holt, 2003, p.339).
Why do you think Turing’s work during World War II was kept in secrecy for so many years?
Turing's work during World War II was kept secret for so many years because it was classified military information. The files were kept sealed for a number of years due to routine military guidelines. I don't beleive that it had anything to do with his homosexualily.
ReplyDeleteGood question, maybe to keep Turing safe, or maybe by keeping a lid on their in house genius other countries wouldn't try and bribe Turing on to there side of the coin.
ReplyDeleteMark,
ReplyDeleteThank you for this beautifully written blog. I agree with your critique of Holt's essay. The structure is needlessly complicated and some of Holt's attempts to explain Turing's work open up more questions than they answer. However, you also pointed out Holt's strengths as a writer and gave excellent examples of things that worked in the essay. Such a pleasure to read this blog!!