"42"

"42" a reader published by CTETH. "42" bundles critical text from and about the sciences.

Editorial to the Critical-Thinking-Reader “42”

“42” and the Meaning of Life

“42” is the at once correct and incomprehensible answer to the question about the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe, and Everything in Douglas Adams’ cult novel The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (1979). The answer is generated by Deep Thought, a supercomputer (whose contemporary name resemblance is hardly a coincidence…), and who in turn goes on to criticise the imprecision of the question.

Consequently, and since its articles ultimately deal with the question how to ask a good question, the present little anthology of epistemological and sociological essays, of prominent expressions of displeasure and suggestions for improvements bears the title ?42“ (whose name resemblance is intentional).  

From 2017-2020, the Critical Thinking Initiative published twelve issues of the reader "42". As part of the repositioning of the focus on Critical Thinking within the ETH Competencies Framework, the publication of "42" was discontinued.

News

42 – the 12th

Issue 12 was published on 25 November 2019.

Download it here: protected page Link

Exlusively for "42":
Essay by Prof Bishop

?Reduction, Emergence and Critical Thinking?, Robert C. Bishop, ?42?, 9/2018:
Download Link (PDF, 126 KB)

Why "42"?

The answer can be found here: external page Link

Logo of the CTETH publication "42"
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