Is that right? Correct, legal, fair

Perspectives from Mathematics and Computer Science 

Justice and truth are two such subtle matters that our instruments are too blunt to grasp them precisely. 

- Blaise Pascal (1623–1662) 

If we replace the difficult terms “truth” and “justice” with “correctness” and “legality” or “fairness,” a wealth of questions arises for the 2011 Rome Seminar: 

• When is a mathematical proof correct, and when is a computer program correct? By what criteria can this be judged, and how have these criteria changed over the course of history? 
• Can a grade (or a “ranking”) be just and accurately or appropriately reflect performance? 
• Legal issues are playing an increasingly important role, particularly in the field of computer science—for example, in data protection or copyright law. 
• Finally, there are sophisticated mathematical theories designed to regulate fair elections or the equitable distribution of goods. 

The 2011 Rome Seminar will address these and many other questions: it offers the opportunity to look beyond the boundaries of one’s own field of study. Throughout the winter semester, various aspects of the topic will be discussed, and individual presentations will be prepared for the intensive session in Rome from February 28 to March 26, 2011. 

Phase I: Biweekly seminar sessions during the lecture period of the winter semester 10/11

Phase II: Intensive course: February 28–March 6, 2011, in Rome