Fuzzy Set Theory as a Methodological Bridge between Hard Sciences and Humanities

Abstract

In this paper, we will investigate the possible role of fuzzy set theory (FST), and more generally the ensemble of technologies and theoretical approaches known as soft computing, as a methodological bridge between hard sciences and humanities. We will try, building on previous works, to investigate the "family links" between these disciplines and show how FST may be of help in promoting a connection between the "two cultures". We will discuss Carnap and his paradox of explication, the dilemma between imagination and rigor according to Bateson, the problem of interdisciplinarity, and the consequences of precision and exactness. C 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.b Unfortunately the change of scenery does not imply a reduction in complexity! c Of course, those aspects of interdisciplinarity still remaining mysterious are not at all mysterious but are (simply!) those emerging from the extreme complexity of forcing different disciplines to interact while asking them to preserve their proper specificities, methodologies, levels of rigor, etc., (and, then, aspects very difficult to treat). In our case we must also play a specific tribute to the constraints imposed by the novelty of the theory (FS&SC) on one side, and the refractoriness to be imbedded into (more or less) formal methods on the other side (Humanities). 4.7. The notion of fuzziness can be used as a key for approaching and modeling problems in new, different ways. CONCLUSIONSInformation and computer science have triggered a deep transformation of the mutual relationships, interactions etc., and are of the same definition of what a