In 1936, Alan Turing, a then young mathematician, published a paper that would fundamentally alter the course of computing and, indeed, human history. The paper, titled On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidungs-problem, introduced concepts that would lay the groundwork for modern computer science. Turing's work addressed a critical question posed by David Hilbert: the Entscheidungsproblem, or "decision problem," which asks whether there exists a definitive method that can determine the truth of any given mathematical statement.

Turing's approach was both novel and profound. He conceptualized what is now known as the Turing machine—a theoretical device that manipulates symbols on a strip of tape according to a set of rules. This simple yet powerful concept provided a formalization of the notion of computation and algorithms. Turing machines became a fundamental model for understanding what can be computed, essentially defining the limits of mechanical computation.

The impact of Turing's paper extends far beyond the realm of theoretical computer science. It set the stage for the development of digital computers and has profound implications in fields as diverse as artificial intelligence, cryptography, and cognitive science. Turing's ideas about computability have led to critical reflections on the capabilities and limits of computers, influencing both the development of computational machines and the philosophical debates surrounding artificial intelligence.

NOTE: I've not yet converted Turing's paper into modern hypertext, so please bare with the typewritten script.