How did a computer scientist such as Geoffrey Hinton manage to win a Nobel Prize in physics when computer science already has its own Nobel Prize equivalent in the Turing Awards?

There you go.^†

[The basic structure of artificial neural networks] has close similarities with spin models in statistical physics applied to magnetism or alloy theory. This year’s Nobel Prize in Physics recognizes research exploiting this connection to make breakthrough methodological advances in the field of ANN.

In awarding prizes, the Nobel Committees often seem only marginally more competent than MTG is at explaining meteorology. And if they can give a literature prize for lyrics like:

What great song was "ruined" once you really listened to the lyrics?

In December 1973, when Kissinger was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, comedian Tom Lehrer dropped his mic and stamped on it—satire had just died.

… then anything is possible. There’s no rule that a Nobel Prize has to make sense.^*

"Where can we shoehorn it in? Chemistry is easy 'cos AlphaFold; but what about physics? A bit more challenging, right?"

How will artificial intelligence impact employment and the job market?

Whatever.

[Younger voice] "But wait a minute, Ising-Lenz goes back to the 1920's. And didn't Hinton plagiarise rather a lot? He also didn't invent modern backprop, did he, that's Linnainmaa? And Amari preceded Hopfield, too. That's not a good look."

Why wait any longer for the one you love?

Vera Rubin quarter coin released by US Mint - BBC Sky at Night Magazine

^* Fibiger got the 1926 Medicine prize for the discovery of Spiroptera carcinoma (Don’t ask).

Fortunately, we are privy to the discussion that led up to this:

"Naah, Linnainmaa is a Finn. Can't give it to a bloody Finnish mathematician. Let's go for drinks. Brännvin anyone?"

What ESPN’s Football Power Index is projecting for Big 12 rivals BYU and Utah in 2025 - Deseret News

"Good idea, but how can we wangle something that says 'Physics'?"

My 11 million SEK, Dr Jo.

(Mumbles of assent)

Jason Sudeikis Remembers Uncle George Wendt as “an Incredible Influence” - The Hollywood Reporter

When he's standing, in front of you

^† They rationalise their decision thusly:

A fly on the wall at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences

‘Superman’ Final Trailer Shows David Corenswet “Doing Important Stuff” - The Hollywood Reporter

Whatever.

[Older voice] "Mmm. What about Hinton, he's widely regarded? Nobody got fired for buying IBM"

"Hey guys, AI is pretty big so let's centre our prizes on it this year. We can get some attention, and it's all about advertising, at the end of the day, isn't it?"

Adam Sandler will cast Derrick Henry in a movie if he rushes for 2,000 yards - NBC Sports

(Bob Dylan, Nobel Prize for Literature, 2016)

You can have your cake and eat it too

"Didn't he do something with Boltzmann in it? That sounds physics-y. RBMs and stuff, eh?"

Why is there so much hate against black people?

"Good point, I'm sure we can swing it. And let's tack on Hopfield while we're about it."

They then move on to selectively provide their own version of history. But hey, it’s OK. They wanted controversy, didn’t they? Whatever.

Why wait any longer for the world to begin?

At 53, Jennie Garth Poses in Her First-Ever Underwear Campaign - instyle.com