Bart Kosko Fuzzy Thinking: The New Science Of F... Here
Creating machines that reason more like humans by processing vague or imprecise information. Philosophical Implications
Kosko also connects fuzzy logic to the concept of information and entropy. He argues that as we gain more information, the "fuzziness" doesn't necessarily disappear; rather, we get better at measuring the degrees of uncertainty. He famously asserts that "everything is a matter of degree," suggesting that even the laws of physics are fuzzy approximations of a complex universe. Conclusion Bart Kosko Fuzzy Thinking: The New Science of F...
Kosko posits that while binary logic works for mathematics and digital computers, it fails to accurately describe reality. He points out that most concepts are matters of degree. For example, at what exact point does a "tall" person become "short"? Binary logic demands a sharp cutoff, whereas fuzzy logic allows for a person to be "70% tall." The "Fuzzy" Revolution Creating machines that reason more like humans by
The essay highlights how fuzzy logic transitioned from a fringe mathematical theory (pioneered by Lotfi Zadeh) to a practical engineering tool. Kosko discusses its successful application in: He famously asserts that "everything is a matter
Beyond engineering, Kosko delves into the philosophical shifts required to accept fuzzy thinking. He suggests that Western culture is deeply "all-or-nothing," which leads to rigid thinking in politics, law, and ethics. By adopting a fuzzy worldview, we recognize that "truth" is often a sliding scale, which can lead to more nuanced and tolerant perspectives. Science and "Entropy"