Modernity is complex. Contemporary societies, economies, and technologies co-evolve into systems that are fast-changing and display increased complexity. Complex systems have multiple variables, which makes them hard to describe, and even harder to predict. As law and the State cannot be decoupled from these phenomena, it is only natural for legal systems to also become complex. At the Working Group on Law, Rationalism and Complexity, we have a shared interest in relying on rationalism in the analysis of today’s complex legal systems. We understand that legal systems are multifactorial and co-constructed by environmental, political, economic, social, and cultural factors. We aim to use rationalism as a tool to study complex legal phenomena. By rationalism, we mean an approach that aims to track truth, independently of the characteristics or opinions of the observer. The hallmarks of rationalism are a commitment to logical reasoning, empirical fact-finding, and analytical thinking. A rational study of complex legal systems is aware of the limits of established paradigms (including rationalism itself) and has an open-minded attitude toward reasoned heterodoxy for the description of reality. Accordingly, promoting value-free and apolitical empiricism in applying scientific method(s) constitutes a complementary approach in the study of legal complexity. By adopting a multi-factorial analysis of legal systems, we can contribute to a more accurate understanding of the complex contemporary legal landscapes. We also consider that this approach will help mitigate our own epistemic biases. The working plan is to develop knowledge for at least the first six to twelve months of operation of the Working Group. Once the foundations of a rational study of complex legal systems are in place, we aim to (i) consolidate the knowledge gathered in a memorandum; and (ii) outline further directions for the Working Group discussions and presentations.
Events in Academic Years 2025–2026 ( WG Coordinators: Alena Yarmak and Prince Almadi)
- 16 March 2026: The Strained Relationship Between the Use of the Patent System and Competition Law; the Cases of Life Science, the Digital Space and SEPs — Dr. Sven J.R. Bostyn (University of Copenhagen)
- 19 January 2026: Law and Technology: A Methodical Approach — Prof Ryan Calo (University of Washington)
- 9 January 2026: Unpacking Litigation Strategies in the EU — A View from Data Privacy and Intellectual Property — Sabine Saurugger (Sciences Po Grenoble, EUI); Fabien Terpan (Sciences Po Grenoble); Sophia Moran (Pacte CNRS); Sofie Fleerackers (KU Leuven / University of Amsterdam, EUI)
- 25 November 2025: The Future of Privacy Regulation — Prof. Daniel Solove (George Washington University Law School)
- 14 October 2025: Who Should Pay for Fixing the Digital World? — Prof. Nicolas Petit (European University Institute)
- 12 May 2025: The Future of Copyright in the Age of AI: EU and US Insights — Prof. Jane C. Ginsburg (Columbia Law School); Prof. Caterina Sganga (Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies)
- 22–24 April 2025: Implementation of the AI Act: Ensuring Legal Certainty through Soft Law? — Prof. Sebastian Scholz (Universität Graz)
- 16 April 2025: Intellectual Property as a Social Technology: A Thought Experiment — Prof. Svitlana Lebedenko, School of Law (University of Warwick)
- 16 April 2025: The American Challenge: Still Relevant Today? — Prof. Nicolas Petit (European University Institute); Erik Jones (Robert Schuman Centre); Prof. Glenda Sluga (European University Institute)
- 26 February 2025: Luhmann for Lawyers: System Theory, Regulation, and the Virtual Dimension — Prof. Aamnon Reichman ( Berkeley, University of Haifa)
- 17 February 2025: The Protection of Traditional Knowledge at the Frontiers of Drug Discovery — Prof. Peter S. Harrison (University of York)
Events in Academic Year 2024 (WG Coordinator: Alena Yarmak)
- 12 November 2024: The Role of Universities in Safeguarding Academic Freedom in the Age of Trade Secrets — Prof. Jens H. Schovsbo (University of Copenhagen, Center for Information and Innovation Law)
- 29 October 2024: Liability for AI-generated Outputs under Copyright Law — Prof. Eleonora Rosati (University of Stockholm)
- 8 October 2024: Revisiting Julien Benda’s Treason of the Intellectuals: Reflections for the 21st Century — Prof. Nicolas Petit (European University Institute); Prof. Olivier Roy (EUI RSCAS & STG); Prof. Peter Drahos
- 24 May 2024: The Fireside Chat — A Fair Conversation About Blockchain Regulation — Stuart Alderoty (Ripple Labs)
- 13 May 2024: The Crisis of Culture: Identity Politics and the Empire of Norms — Prof. Olivier Roy (EUI RSCAS & STG)
- 16 May 2024: The Life-cycle of Artificial Intelligence: Between Environmental Law and Intellectual Property Law — PhD Researchers Arianna Crosera; Alena Yarmak (European University Institute)
- 3 May 2024: Aesthetic of AI — Prof. Séverine Dusollier ( Sciences Po, Paris)