Fuzzy sets and systems and philosophy of science
pp. 1-35
in: Rudolf Seising (ed), Views on fuzzy sets and systems from different perspectives, Berlin, Springer, 2009Abstract
In science there is a traditional division of labor: on the one hand we have fundamental, logical, and theoretical investigations and on the other hand we have experimental and application-oriented examinations. Theoretical work in science uses logics and mathematics to formulate axioms and laws. It is linked with the philosophical view of rationalism, whereas the other aspects of science employing experiments to discover prove, or refute natural laws have their roots in philosophical empiricism. In both directions – from experimental results to theoretical laws or from theoretical laws to experimental proofs or refutations – scientists have to bridge the gap that separates theory and practice.