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851-0746-00L 2 Credits DS D-GESS

Algorithms and Fairness

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Alexander Stremitzer, Dr. Aileen Nielsen
Any students enrolling in the course must complete a short writing assignment within two weeks of registering. Please contact the instructors via email ( ) for information about the assignment and for access to the course Slack workspace.
VVZ CR 4.2

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:55

Abstract

From a legal, social science, and applied mathematics perspective, we address the increasingly important question of what AI fairness means and how AI fairness can be addressed by legal, social science, and applied mathematical research to inform policy making.

Objective

Understand the history of fairness as defined in law, social science, and applied mathematics research Identify logical and mathematical conflicts between different definitions of fairness Explain why fairness and AI is a highly contested and unresolved problem in law.

Content

This block course will be broken into three components. Fair outcomes: the equality/equity debate -The proliferation of fairness definitions -Impossibility theorems -AI & fundamental rights Fair process -Appropriate use of AI in administrative or judicial roles -AI counterparties -Fair markets Fair distribution -Distributing scarce resources -Data markets and data labor -The future of work

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DS

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Max Places
40

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Algorithms and Fairness
Block course: 28.05. and 29.05.2026 from 09:15 - 17 o'clock.
  • 28.05 Date 09:15-17:00 (HG F 26.3)
  • 29.05 Date 09:15-17:00 (HG F 26.3)
14 h semesterly

Offered In

  • Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
    • Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)