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Sound Auction Specification and Implementation

Author

Listed:
  • Marco B Caminati
  • Manfred Kerber
  • Christoph Lange
  • Colin Rowat

Abstract

We introduce 'formal methods' of mechanized reasoning from computer science to address two problems in auction design and practice: is a given auction design soundly specified, possessing its intended properties; and, is the design faithfully implemented when actually run? Failure on either front can be hugely costly in large auctions. In the familiar setting of the combinatorial Vickrey auction, we use a mechanized reasoner, Isabelle, to first ensure that the auction has a set of desired properties (e.g. allocating all items at non-negative prices), and to then generate verified executable code directly from the specified design. Having established the expected results in a known context, we intend next to use formal methods to verify new auction designs.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:bir:birmec:15-08
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    File URL: https://repec.cal.bham.ac.uk/pdf/15-08.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrei A. Kirilenko & Andrew W. Lo, 2013. "Moore's Law versus Murphy's Law: Algorithmic Trading and Its Discontents," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 27(2), pages 51-72, Spring.
    2. Kerber, Manfred & Lange, Christoph & Rowat, Colin, 2016. "An introduction to mechanized reasoning," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 26-39.
    3. John William Hatfield & Paul R. Milgrom, 2005. "Matching with Contracts," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 95(4), pages 913-935, September.
    4. Orhan Ayg?n & Tayfun S?nmez, 2013. "Matching with Contracts: Comment," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 103(5), pages 2050-2051, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Suneel Sarswat & Abhishek Kr Singh, 2019. "Formal verification of trading in financial markets," Papers 1907.07885, arXiv.org.
    2. Suneel Sarswat & Abhishek Kr Singh, 2020. "Formally Verified Trades in Financial Markets," Papers 2007.10805, arXiv.org.
    3. Kerber, Manfred & Lange, Christoph & Rowat, Colin, 2016. "An introduction to mechanized reasoning," Journal of Mathematical Economics, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 26-39.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    formal proof; mechanized reasoning; auction theory;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology
    • C63 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computational Techniques
    • C88 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Other Computer Software
    • D44 - Microeconomics - - Market Structure, Pricing, and Design - - - Auctions

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