We all take grades and standards pretty much for granted. They are ubiquitous in modern society.
Some standards are voluntary while compliance with others is required by law.
In addition, standards may have political, economic, social, environmental and ethical implications. They may be used to keep others out of a protected domain or to capture a share in a market, perhaps unfairly. Some standards are set by open, democratic processes, while others are set by decree or by market dominance. Unfortunately, those concerned with standards in one domain rarely talk with those who are interested other types of standards. This seminar series will attempt to begin that interdisciplinary debate by exploring the nature of standards in a broad range of fields.