Formal fuzzy logic

To be Completed !! Template:TOC-right

Introduction

Formal fuzzy logic, or "fuzzy logic in narrow sense", is a relatively new chapter of formal logic. Its aim is to represent predicates which are vague in nature as big, near, or similar (for example), and to formalize the reasonings involving these predicates. The notion of a fuzzy subset, proposed by L. A. Zadeh since 1965, plays a crucial role, since a vague predicate is interpreted by a fuzzy subset. In the sequel, we will write "fuzzy logic" instead of "formal fuzzy logic", but notice that in literature the name "fuzzy logic" comprises a large series of topics based on the notion of a fuzzy subset and which are usually devoted to applications.

We can consider fuzzy logic as an evolution and an enlargement of multi-valued logic since all the definitions and results in the literature on multi-valued logic are also considered in fuzzy logic. There are two basic approaches to fuzzy logic. The first one, proposed by P. Hajek and by a large series of students, is strictly closed to the tradition of multi-valued logic. Indeed the logical consequence operator works on a given classical subset of hypotheses to give the related classical set of logical consequences. Equivalently, the entailment relation is a crisp one. This is obtained, as it is usual in multi-valued logic, once a set of designed truth values is fixed. We call, ungraded approach, in brief U-approach, such a way to face fuzzy logic. Another approach was proposed by J. A. Goguen, J. Pavelka and many authors and it is rather out of line with the tradition of multi-valued logic. Indeed, the logical consequence operator works on a given fuzzy subset of hypotheses (the available information) to give the related fuzzy subset of logical consequences. Equivalently, the entailment relation is a fuzzy relation. We call graded approach, in brief G-approach such a way to face fuzzy logic.

As in multi-valued logic, the starting point is a valuation structure, i.e. a bounded lattice L whose elements are interpreted as truth degrees. In particular, the minimum 0 represents False, the maximum 1 represents True. Also, such a lattice is equipped with suitable operations to interpret the logical connectives. Usually one considers two operations $\otimes$ and $\rightarrow$ to interpret the conjunction and implication, respectively. An important class of valuation structures is furnished by the interval [0,1] toghether with a continuous triangular norm $\otimes$, i.e. a continuous, associative, commutative, order preserving operation such that $x\otimes$ 1 = 1. In such a case $\rightarrow$ is the related residuation, i.e. one sets $\rightarrow$ = sup{z | $x\otimes z$ ≤ y} We call "standard algebras" these structures (see Hájek 1998, Novák et al. 1999 and Gottwald 2005). The main examples of standard algebras are obtained by assuming that $\otimes$ is the minimum (Zadeh logic), the usual product (product logic) or that x$\otimes$ y = Max{x+y-1,0} (Lukasievicz logic). In addition, several authors consider also languages with logical constants to denote rational truth values. Once a valuation structure is fixed, the semantics of the corresponding propositional calculus is defined in a truth-functional way as usual. The semantics of the corresponding first order fuzzy logic is defined by the notion of fuzzy-interpretation as follows.

Definition. A fuzzy interpretation of a first order language is a pair (D,I) such that D is a nonempty set and I a map associating (as in the classical case) every n-ary operation name h with an n-ary operation in D and every constant c with an element I(c) in D. Moreover, I associates every n-ary predicate name r with an n-ary L-relation I(r) : Dⁿ$\rightarrow$ L in D.

Then, the only difference with classical logic is that the interpretation of an n-ary predicate symbol is an n-ary L-relation in D. This enables us to represent properties which are "vague" in nature. Given a fuzzy interpretation we can evaluate the formulas as follows where, given a term t, we denote by $I(t)$ the corresponding function we define as in classical logic.

Definition. Let (D,I) be a fuzzy interpretation, then for every formula α whose free variables are in $\{x_{1},...x_{n}\}$ and $d_{1},...,d_{n}$ in D, we define the truth degree Val$(I,\alpha ,d_{1},...,d_{n})$ by induction as follows

Val$(I,r(t_{1},...,t_{p}),d_{1},...,d_{n})=I(r)(I(t_{1})(d_{1},...,d_{n}),...,I(t_{p})(d_{1},...,d_{n}))$

Val$(I,\alpha \wedge \beta ,d_{1},...,d_{n})$ = Val$(I,\alpha ,d_{1},...,d_{n})\otimes$Val$(I,\beta ,d_{1},...,d_{n})$

Val$(I,\alpha \Rightarrow \beta ,d_{1},...,d_{n})$ = Val$(I,\alpha ~,d_{1},...,d_{n})\rightarrow$Val$(I,\beta ,d_{1},...,d_{n})$

Val$(I,\forall x_{i}\alpha ,d_{1},...,d_{n},\otimes )=inf_{d\in D}$Val$(I,\alpha ,d_{1},...,d_{i-1},d,d_{i+1},...,d_{n})$.

In the case there is a propositional constant c^* corresponding to a truth value c, we set

Val$(I,c^{*},d_{1},...,d_{n})$ = c.

Observe that in the case L is not complete it is possible that a quantified formula cannot be evaluated. We call safe an interpretation such that all the formulas are evaluated. As usual, if α is a closed formula, then its valuation does not depend on the elements $d_{1},...,d_{n}$ and we write Val$(I,\alpha )$ instead of Val$(I,\alpha ,d_{1},...,d_{n})$. More in general, given any formula α, we denote by Val(I,α), the valuation of the universal closure of α. To emphasize the dependence on the triangular norm, sometimes we write Val$_{\otimes }$(I,$(\alpha ,d_{1},...,d_{n})$ instead of Val$(I,\alpha ,d_{1},...,d_{n})$.

The ungraded approach

In the ungraded approach one considers a subset Des of [0,1] whose elements are called designed truth degrees. The interpretation is that in Des there are the truth degrees which one considers sufficient to claim the validity of a formula. Usually one sets Des = {1}.

Definition. Let (L,$\otimes$,$\rightarrow$, 0, 1) be a valuation structure. Then we say that a fuzzy interpretation (D,I) satisfies a formula α provided that Val(I,α) is in Des. We say that α is a standard tautology if it is satisfied in every fuzzy interpretation. Let T be a theory, i.e. a set of sentences, then we say that (D,I) is a model of T if every formula in T is satisfied in (D,I). We write T $\models$ α if every model of T is a model of α. The logical consequence operator is the map Lc : {0,1}^F → {0,1}^F defined by setting Lc(T) = {α$\in$ F: T $\models$α}.

The deduction apparatus in the ungraded approach is defined by adopting the same paradigm of classical logic, i.e. by a set of logical axioms and suitable inference rules. Such an apparatus enables us to generate, given a (crisp) set of proper axioms, the related (crisp) set of theorems. Unfortunately, in all the main fuzzy logics no adequate deduction apparatus exists for the entailement relation $\models$ .

Theorem. In almost all the fuzzy logics the entailment relation $\models$ is not compact. This entails that a completeness theorem is not possible.

As an alternative, in the ungraded approach one proposes a different entailment relation related with the variety generated by a given triangular norm.

Definition. Given a triangular norm $\otimes$, denote by Varl($\otimes$) the class of all linearly ordered algebras in the variety generated by ([0,1], $\otimes$, →,0,1). Then a Varl($\otimes$)-model is an interpretation in a valuation algebra belonging to Varl($\otimes$). Given a set T of formulas and a formula α, we write T $(\models$_{Varl($\otimes$)} α provided that every safe Varl($\otimes$)-model of T is a safe Varl$\otimes$)-model of α. A formula α which is valid in every safe Varl($\otimes$)-model is named a general tautology.

The logics related with the entailment relation $\models$_{Varl($\otimes$)} works well. In fact, the following theorem holds true.

Theorem. In almost all the fuzzy logics a completeness theorem for the entailment relation $\models$_{Varl($\otimes$)} holds true.

The graded approach: approximate reasonings

The graded approach is perhaps closer to the spirit of fuzzy logic. In fact the aim of any logic is to eleborate (uncomplete) information and, in the case of fuzzy logic should be natural to admit an information like "the truth values of α is between λ and μ", i.e. a constraint on the possible truth value of a formula. Taking in account that for a large class of fuzzy semantics we can split it into the two constraints "the truth values of α is greater or equal to λ" and "the truth value of $\neg$α is greater or equal to 1-μ", the following definitions are proposed.

Definition (G-approach). Consider a fuzzy theory s, i.e. a fuzzy subset of formulas. Then a fuzzy interpretation (D,I) is a model of s, in brief (D,I) $\models$ s if Val(I,α) ≥ s(α). The logical consequence operator is the map Lc : [0,1]^F → [0,1]^F defined by setting

      Lc(s)(α) = Sup{Val(I,α) : (D,I) $\models$ s}.

Then the meaning of a fuzzy theory s is that for every sentence α, the value s(α) is a "constraint" on the unknown truth value of α. More precisely s(α) is a lower bound for such a value. Again, the value Lc(s)(α) is a "constraint" on the unknown truth value of α. As a matter of fact it is the better constraint we can find given the information s.

Note. We interpret a fuzzy theory s as a fuzzy subset of (proper) axioms. Now, the word "axiom" originates from the fact that formal logic was usually considered as a tool for mathematics. In the case of fuzzy logic, which is related with everyday experience, perhaps expressions as "hypothesis", "assumptions", "partial information", "postulate" are more adequate.

In the graded approach to fuzzy logic a completeness theorem claims that the deduction apparatus is adequate to "calculate" the values of Lc(s) by an effective approximation process. We can obtain such an apparatus by extending the Hilbert's approach as follows.

Definition. A fuzzy inference rule is a pair r = (syn,sem) where syn, the syntactical part, is a partial n-ary operation in F (i.e. an inference rule in the usual sense) and sem, the semantical part, is an n-ary joing-preserving operation in [0,1]. An evaluated syntax is a structure (la,R) where la is a fuzzy set of formulas we call fuzzy subset of logical axioms, and R is a set of fuzzy inference rules.

The meaning of an inference rule r is:

- IF we are able to prove $\alpha _{1},...,\alpha _{n}$ at degree $\lambda _{1},...,\lambda _{n}$, respectively

- AND we can apply syn to $\alpha _{1},...,\alpha _{n}$

- THEN we can prove $syn(\alpha _{1},...,\alpha _{n})$ at degree $sem(\lambda _{1},...,\lambda _{n})$.

Usually, sem(λ₁,...,λ_n) is a product like λ₁$\otimes$...$\otimes$ λ_n. As an example, the fuzzy Modus Ponens is defined by assuming that the domain of syn is the set {(α, α→β: α,β are in F}, by setting syn(α, α→β) = β and by assuming that sem(λ,μ) = λ$\otimes$μ. This rule says that if we are able to prove α and α →β at degree λ and μ, respectively, then we can prove β at degree λ$\otimes$μ. Likewise, the fuzzy $\land$-introduction rule is a totally defined rule such that syn(α,β) = α$\land$β and sem(λ,μ) = λ$\otimes$μ. This rule says that if we are able to prove α and β at degree λ and μ, respectively, then we can prove α$\land$β at degree λ$\otimes$μ.

Definition. A proof π of a formula α is a sequence $\alpha _{1},...,\alpha _{m}$ of formulas such that $\alpha _{m}$= α, together with a sequence of related justifications. This means that, for every formula $\alpha _{i}$, we have to specify whether

i) $\alpha _{i}$ is assumed as a logical axiom or;

ii) $\alpha _{i}$ is assumed as an hypothesis or;

iii) $\alpha _{i}$ is obtained by a rule (in this case we have to indicate also the rule and the formulas from $\alpha _{1},...,\alpha _{i-1}$ used to obtain $\alpha _{i}$).

The justifications are necessary to valuate the proofs. Indeed, let s be the fuzzy subset of proper axioms and, for every i ≤ m denote by π(i) the proof $\alpha _{1},...,\alpha _{i}$. Then the information furnished by π given s is the value Val(π,s) is defined by induction on m by setting

$Val(\pi ,s)=la(\alpha _{m})$ if $\alpha _{m}$ is assumed as a logical axiom

$Val(\pi ,s)=s(\alpha _{m})$ if $\alpha _{m}$ is assumed as an hypothesis

Val(π,s) = $se(Val(\pi (i_{1}),s),...,Val(\pi (i_{n}),s))$ if there is a fuzzy rule $(sy,se)$ such that $\alpha _{m}=sy(\alpha _{i(1)},...,\alpha _{i(n)})$ with i(1) < m,...,i(n) < m.

Now, unlike the usual deduction systems, in a fuzzy deduction system different proofs of a same formula α may give different contributions to the degree of validity of α. This suggests setting

  D(s)(α)= Sup{Val(π,s)| π is a proof of α}.

The operator D is called the deduction operator. It associates every fuzzy theory s with the fuzzy subset D(s) of formulas deduced from s.

Definition. A fuzzy logic is axiomatizable if there is a fuzzy deduction system such that Lc = D.

Notice that under some natural hypotheses, a fuzzy propositional logic is axiomatizable if and only if the logical connectives are interpreted by continuous functions (see Gerla 2001). As was shown in Hajek 1998, completeness results for first order fuzzy logic can be find if one adds a constant for every rational value in [0,1].

Paradoxes

The heap paradox

To show an example of approximate reasoning in fuzzy logic we refer to the famous "heap paradox". Let n be a natural number and denote by Small(n) a sentence whose intended meaning is "a heap with n stones is small" (n is a numeral to denote n). Then it is natural to assume the validity of the atomic formula Small(1) and, for every n, the validity of Small(n) → Small(n+1).

On the other hand from these formulas given any natural number n, by applying MP (Modus Ponens) rule several times we can prove that a heap with n stones is small. Indeed,

- from Small(1) and Small(1)→ Small(2) by MP we may state Small(2);

- from Small(2) and Small(2)→ Small(3) by MP we may state Small(3),

…

- from Small(n-1) and Small(n-1)→ Small(n) by MP we may state Small(n).

Obviously, a conclusion like Small(20.000) is contrary to our intuition in spite of the fact that the reasoning is correct and the premises appear very reasonable. Clearly, the core of such a paradox lies in the vagueness of the predicate " small" and therefore, as proposed by Goguen (1968/69), we can refer to the notion of approximate reasoning to face it. Indeed it is a fact that everyone is convinced that the implications Small(n) → Small(n+1) are very close to the truth but not completely true, in general. We can try to "respect" this conviction by assigning to these formulas a truth value λ very close to 1 but different from 1. Then, for example, we can express the hypothesis of the heap paradox by the following fuzzy theory

Small(1) [to degree 1]

Small(2) [to degree 1]

...

Small(10.000) [to degree 1]

Small(10.000)→ Small(10.001) [to degree λ]

Small(10.001)→ Small(10.002) [to degree λ]

...

In accordance, the Heap Paradox argument can be restated as follows where we denote by λ⁽ⁿ⁾ the n-power of λ with respect to $\otimes$.

Since Small(10.000) [to degree 1]

and Small(10.000)→ Small(10.001) [to degree λ]

we state Small(10.001) [to degree 1$\otimes$λ = λ⁽¹⁾]

since Small(10.001) [to degree λ]

and Small(10.001)→ Small(10.002) [to degree λ]

we state Small(10.002) [to degree λ$\otimes$λ = λ⁽²⁾ ]

. . .

since Small(10.000+n-1) [to degree λ^(n-1)]

and Small(10.000+n-1) → Small(10.000+n) [to degree λ]

we state Small(10.000+n) [to degree λ^(n-1)$\otimes$λ = λ⁽ⁿ⁾].

In particular, we can prove Small(10.000+10.000) at degree λ^(10.000) . Now, this is not paradoxical. Indeed if $\otimes$ is the Lukasievicz triangular norm, then λ⁽ⁿ⁾ = max {nλ-n+1, 0}. As a consequence, we have that λ⁽ⁿ⁾ = 0 for every n ≥ 1/(1-λ). Assume that λ = 1-10^-4 then λ^(10.000) = 0. In this way we get a formal representation of heap argument preserving its intuitive content but avoiding its paradoxical character.

The falsity of the induction principle

In classic mathematics the induction principle is expressed by the schema A(1) → (($\forall$n(A(n) → A(n+1)) → $\forall$nA(n)) where A is a property defined in the set of natural numbers. The argument on the basis of heap paradox enables us to show an interesting fact:

"the induction principle is not valid in fuzzy logic, i.e. we cannot extend such a principle to vague properties".

In fact, assume that such a principle is satisfied at degree μ ≠ 0 and let λ ≠ 1 such that λ $\otimes$ μ ≠ 0. Also, consider a vague predicate A such that A(1) is valid, $\forall$n(A(n)) is false and $\forall$n(A(n) → A(n+1)) is true to degree λ (as in the Heap Paradox). Then, by two application of MP we can prove $\forall$nA(n) to degree λ$\otimes$ μ ≠ 0. This contradicts the fact that $\forall$nA(n) is false.

Notice that in previous solution of the heap paradox the induction principles was avoided by assuming as an hypothesis the infinite set of ground formulas Small(p)→ Small(p+1), p = 1,2,... and not the formula $\forall$n Small(n)→Small(n+1). From such an infinite set, we cannot prove $\forall$n Small(n) in spite of the fact that, given any natural number p, we can prove Small(p).

The Poincaré paradox

The so called “paradox” of Poincaré refers to indistinguishability by emphasizing that, in spite of common intuition, this relation is not transitive. In fact, let d₁,…, d_m be a sequence of objects such that we are not able to distinguish d_i from d_i+1 and that, nevertheless, that we have no difficulty in distinguishing d₁ from d_m. Also, consider a first order language with a predicate symbol E to denote the indistinguishability relation and, for every i in N, with a constant c_i to denote d_i. Then it is natural to consider the theory defined by the following formulas:

E(c₁,c₂),…, E(c_i-1,c_i),..., $\neg$E(c₁,c_m), E(x,z)$\land$E(z,y) $\Rightarrow$E(x,y).

From such a theory, by suitable applications of the $\land$-introduction rule, particularization and MP, we can prove E(c₁,c_m) and this contradicts the hypothesis $\neg$E(c₁,c_m). Consider a value λ very close to 1 and such that λ^(m-1) = 0. Then in fuzzy logic we can formalize Poincaré argument as follows:

Step 1.

Since E(c₁,c₂) [at degree λ]

and E(c₂,c₃) [at degree λ]

we can state E(c₁,c₂)$\land$E(c₂,c₃) [at degree λ⁽²⁾].

Therefore, since E(c₁,c₂)$\land$E(c₂,c₃)$\Rightarrow$ E(c₁,c₃) [at degree 1]

we can state E(c₁,c₃) [at degree λ⁽²⁾].

Step 2.

Since E(c₁,c₃) [at degree λ⁽²⁾]

and E(c₃,c₄) [at degree λ]

we can state E(c₁,c₃)$\land$E(c₃,c₄) [at degree λ⁽³⁾]

Therefore, since E(c₁,c₃)$\land$E(c₃,c₄)$\Rightarrow$ E(c₁,c₄) [at degree 1]

we can state E(c₁,c₄) [at degree λ⁽³⁾]

...

Step m-2.

Since E(c₁, c_m-1) [at degree λ^(m-2)]

and E(c_m-1,c_m) [at degree λ]

we can state E(c₁, c_m-1)$\land$E(c_m-1, c_m) [at degree λ^(m-1)]

Therefore, since E(c₁, c_m-1)$\land$E(c_m-1, c_m)$\Rightarrow$E(c₁, c_m) [at degree 1]

we can state E(c₁, c_m) [at degree λ^(m-1)].

Thus, such a proof entails that the conclusion E(c₁,c_m) is true at least at degree λ^(m-1) = 0 (no information). This is not paradoxical.

The liar paradox

(to be included)

Fuzzy logic with no semantics

Necessity logic

This very simple fuzzy logic is obtained by an obvious fuzzyfication of first order classical logic. Indeed, assume, for example, that the deduction apparatus of classical first order logic is presented by a suitable set la of logical axioms, by the MP-rule and the Generalization rule and denote by $\vdash$ the related consequence relation. Then a fuzzy deduction system is obtained by considering as fuzzy subset of logical axioms the characteristic function of la and as fuzzy inference rules the extension of MP obtained by assuming that $\otimes$ is the minimum operator $\wedge$. Moreover, an extension of the Generalization rule is obtained by assuming that if we prove α at degree λ then we obtain $\forall$xα(x) at the same degree λ. Assume that D is the deduction operator of such a fuzzy logic and that s is a fuzzy theory. Then D(s)(α) = 1 for every logically true formula α and, otherwise,

$D(s)(\alpha )=Sup\{s(\alpha _{1})\wedge ...\wedge s(\alpha _{n}):\alpha _{1},...,\alpha _{n}\vdash \alpha \}$.

By recalling that the existential quantifier is interpreted by the supremum operator, such a formula arises from a multivalued valuation of the (metalogical) claim: "α is a consequence of the fuzzy subset s of axioms if there are formulas $\alpha _{1},...,\alpha _{n}$ in s able to prove $\alpha$"

It is apparent that in such a case the vagueness originates from s, i.e., from the notion of "hypothesis". Moreover $s(\alpha )$ is not a truth degree but rather a degree of "preference" or "acceptability" for $\alpha$. For example, let T be a system of axioms for set theory and assume that the choice axiom CA does not depend on T. Then we can consider the fuzzy subset of axioms s defined by setting

s(α) = 1 if α$\in$ T,

s(α) = 0.8 if α = CA ,

s(α) = 0 otherwise.

A simple calculation shows that:

D(s)(α) = 1 if α is a theorem of T,

D(s)(α) = 0.8 if we cannot prove α from T but α is a theorem of T + CA,

D(s)(α) = 0 otherwise .

Fuzziness in this case is not semantical in nature. Indeed, it is evident that the number $s(\alpha )$ is a degree of acceptability for $\alpha$ and not a truth degree. In this sense, by recalling the Euclidean distinction between axiom and postulate, perhaps it's better to say s is the fuzzy subset of the accepted postulates. Thus, despite the fact that no vague predicate is considered in set theory, in the metalanguage we can consider a vague predicate as "is acceptable" and to represent it by a suitable fuzzy subset s. Equivalently, we can interpret $s(\alpha )$ as the degree of preference for $\alpha$ since the only reason we assign to CA the degree 0.8 instead of 1 is that we do not like to use CA.

Similarity logic

In accordance with the ideas of M. S. Ying (1994) we can extend necessity logic by introducing a similarity relation among the predicates (see also Biacino, Gerla, Ying (2002)). As an example, consider an inference like

Since x is a thriller $\Rightarrow$ x good for me +

and b is a detective story +

and "detective story" is synonymous of "thriller"

then "b is good for me".

Now the synonymy is a vague notion we can represent by a suitable similarity e in the set W of English worlds, i.e. a fuzzy relation e such that

(a) e(x,x) = 1 (reflexivity), (b) e(x,z)$\otimes$ e(z,y) ≤ e(x,y) (transitivity), (c) e(x,y) = e(y,x) (symmetry).

Also, as it is usual in fuzzy logic, it is natural to admit that the truth degree of the conclusion "b is good for me" depends on the degree of similarity between the predicates "detective story" and "thriller", obviously. The structure of the corresponding fuzzy inference rule is:

If α was proven at degree λ

and α’→ β at degree μ

then β is proven at degree λ$\otimes$μ$\otimes$e(α,α’).

Every inference rule can be extended in a similar way, i.e. by relaxing the precise matching of the identity with the approximate matching of a similarity. These ideas are also on the basis for a similarity-based fuzzy logic programming.

Effectiveness

Effectiveness in the U-approach

Given a standard algebra denote by Lt = {α : $\emptyset proves$ α} the set of standard tautologies. Then the following negative result holds true.

Theorem In the case of Lukasiewicz and product logic the set of standard tautologies is not recursively enumerable (see B. Scarpellini (1962)).

Such a fact was extensively examined in the book of Hájek.

Theorem. For each continuous t-norm $\otimes$, the set of general $\otimes$-tautologies in first order logic is Σ₁-complete (and therefore recursively enumerable).

Effectiveness in the G-approach

A different answer is necessary if we will consider Pavelka’s approach to fuzzy logic. Indeed, in such a case the attention is focused on the deduction operator which associates every fuzzy subset of axioms (the available information) with the fuzzy subset of fuzzy theorems. Then, we have to refer to a suitable notion of effectiveness for fuzzy sets. A first proposal in such a direction was made by E.S. Santos by the notions of fuzzy Turing machine, Markov normal fuzzy algorithm and fuzzy program. Successively, L. Biacino and G. Gerla proposed the following definition where Ü denotes the set of rational numbers in [0,1].

Definition A fuzzy subset s : S $\rightarrow$[0,1] of a set S is recursively enumerable if a recursive map h : S×N $\rightarrow$Ü exists such that, for every x in S, the function h(x,n) is increasing with respect to n and s(x) = lim h(x,n). We say that s is decidable if both s and its complement –s are recursively enumerable.

An extension of such a theory to the general case of the L-subsets is proposed in G. Gerla (2006) where one refers to the theory of effective domains. It is an open question to give supports for a Church thesis for fuzzy set theory claiming that the proposed notion of recursive enumerability for fuzzy subsets is the adequate one. To this aim, further investigations on the notions of fuzzy grammar and fuzzy Turing machine should be necessary (see for example Wiedermann's paper).

In Gerla (2001) one proves the following theorem where we refer to fuzzy logics in which a completeness theorem holds true and whose deduction apparatus satisfies some obvious effectiveness property.

Theorem. Any axiomatizable fuzzy theory is recursively enumerable. In particular, the fuzzy set of logically true formulas is recursively enumerable in spite of the fact that Lt is not recursively enumerable, in general. Moreover, any axiomatizable and complete theory is decidable.

It is an open question to use the notion of recursively enumerable fuzzy subset to extend Gödel’s limitative theorems to fuzzy logic.

Is fuzzy logic a proper extension of classical logic ?

Obviously, the question of the connection between classical and fuzzy logic arises. Now, we can consider this question from two points of views. Firstly, in a fuzzy logics with a truth-functional semantics the interpretation of the logical connectives is conservative. This means that these interpretations coincide with the classical ones in the case we confine ourselves to truth values in {0,1}. So, in such a sense fuzzy logic is a conservative proper extension of classical logic. On the other hand fuzzy logic is defined by using elementary notions of mathematics and therefore it can be reduced to classical logic. From such a point of view, differently from intuitionistic logic, fuzzy logic does not expresses an alternative philosophy. Rather, it is an attempt to express the vagueness phenomena through classical mathematics and therefore through classical logic.

See also

• Fuzzy subalgebra
• Fuzzy associative matrix
• Fuzzy logic programming
• Fuzzy set
• Paradoxes
• Rough set
• Similarity logic
• Necessity logic
• MV-algebras
• Basic logic

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