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An introduction to mechanized reasoning

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  • Kerber, Manfred
  • Lange, Christoph
  • Rowat, Colin

Abstract

Mechanized reasoning uses computers to verify proofs and to help discover new theorems. Computer scientists have applied mechanized reasoning to economic problems but–to date–this work has not yet been properly presented in economics journals. We introduce mechanized reasoning to economists in three ways. First, we introduce mechanized reasoning in general, describing both the techniques and their successful applications. Second, we explain how mechanized reasoning has been applied to economic problems, concentrating on the two domains that have attracted the most attention: social choice theory and auction theory. Finally, we present a detailed example of mechanized reasoning in practice by means of a proof of Vickrey’s familiar theorem on second-price auctions.

Suggested Citation

  • Kerber, Manfred & Lange, Christoph & Rowat, Colin, 2016. "An introduction to mechanized reasoning," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 26-39.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:mateco:v:66:y:2016:i:c:p:26-39
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jmateco.2016.06.005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Casey B. Mulligan, 2018. "Quantifier Elimination for Deduction in Econometrics," NBER Working Papers 24601, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Marco B Caminati & Manfred Kerber & Christoph Lange & Colin Rowat, 2015. "Sound Auction Specification and Implementation," Discussion Papers 15-08, Department of Economics, University of Birmingham.
    3. Takemura, Ryo, 2020. "Economic reasoning with demand and supply graphs," Mathematical Social Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 25-35.

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