A Formal Proof of Vickrey's Theorem by Blast, Simp, and Rule

University of Birmingham, Department of Economics Working Paper Series No. 14-01

12 Pages Posted: 9 Jan 2014

See all articles by Manfred Kerber

Manfred Kerber

University of Birmingham - School of Computer Science

Christoph Lange

University of Bonn

Colin Rowat

University of Birmingham - Department of Economics

Date Written: January 5, 2014

Abstract

Formal methods use computers to verify proofs or even discover new theorems. Interest in applying formal methods to problems in economics has increased in the past decade, but - to date - none of this work has been published in economics journals. This paper applies formal methods to a familiar environment - Vickrey's theorem on second-price auctions - and provides, as background, an introduction to formal methods.

Keywords: formal proof, mechanized reasoning, auction theory

JEL Classification: B41; C63; C88; D44

Suggested Citation

Kerber, Manfred and Lange, Christoph and Rowat, Colin, A Formal Proof of Vickrey's Theorem by Blast, Simp, and Rule (January 5, 2014). University of Birmingham, Department of Economics Working Paper Series No. 14-01, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2376205 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2376205

Manfred Kerber

University of Birmingham - School of Computer Science ( email )

Edgbaston
Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT B17 0JH
United Kingdom

Christoph Lange

University of Bonn ( email )

Regina-Pacis-Weg 3
Postfach 2220
Bonn, D-53012
Germany

Colin Rowat (Contact Author)

University of Birmingham - Department of Economics ( email )

Economics Department
Birmingham, B15 2TT
United Kingdom
+44 121 414 3754 (Phone)
+44 121 414 7377 (Fax)

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