Fairness in the digital age

Overview

What you will study

In the English language, the word 'fair' carries a dual meaning. As an adjective, it signifies a state free from bias, dishonesty, injustice, and unequal treatment. Conversely, as a noun, a 'fair' refers to a temporary marketplace where buyers and sellers exchange goods.

Fairness and the market are interconnected concepts that have been extensively debated by philosophers since the work of St. Thomas Aquinas on 'aequitas.' These discussions revolve around the definition of a 'fair price' and what constitutes a 'fair market.'

Within the context of EU law, 'fairness' is increasingly being invoked across various policy domains to address perceived imbalances among different stakeholders. The aim of the Fairness in the digital age course offered by European University Institute (EUI) is to promote 'aequitas', in the words of St. Thomas, or fairness among market players.