Vladimir Dimitrov

Introduction to fuzziology

In a broad sense, fuzziness is the opposite of precision. Everything that cannot be defined precisely (that is, according to some broadly accepted criteria or norms of precision) and everything that has no clearly described boundaries in space or time is considered a bearer of fuzziness. In a narrow sense, fuzziness relates to the definition of fuzzy sets [1] as proposed by Zadeh in 1965: sets, the belongingness to which is measured by a membership function whose values are between 1 (full belongingness) and 0 (non-belongingness).

The human mouth: oral functions in a social complexity perspective

In the dental and medical literature, the mouth and oral functions are usually presented in a biomedical context. However, there may be a need for a broader perspective if we are to appreciate the importance of the human mouth as an organ with diverse functions. The paradigm of complexity appears to be of relevance in our understanding the social and psychological characteristics of the human mouth in addition to its biological functions. Examples such as the pleasures of taste, social aspects of eating, the importance of linguistics and communication are illustrations of some of the social and psychological aspects of oral functions. Professional knowledge related to such issues is important in our understanding the patients priorities and in performing the relevant diagnosis and treatment planning.

Fuzzy Logic as an Evocative Framework for Studying Social Systems

This study is about the fuzzy and unpredictable nature of social life. Two themes are developed. The first describes and critiques a methodological approach to social systems intervention for improvement. The second theme comprises a propositional questioning about the nature of social systems from a fuzzy logic framework. The crucial role of fuzzy logic is demonstrated in such fields of social inquiry as conversation mapping, heuristic pattern formation, emergence of meaning, multy-layered interpretation, study of temporality and non-foundational thinking.

Living on the Edge: A Complexity-Informed Exploration of the Human–Water Relationship

Humanity and water represent an intersection of two natural cycles: the human economy and the earths hydrological system. Although water is vital for human survival and growth, the point where human endeavor intersects is the most variable and uncertain in the hydrological system. Significant spatial and temporal variation of evaporation and rainfall has led to a number of responses aimed at increasing certainty of access to water. However, many of the worlds civilizations can attest that the very act of reducing water uncertainty by technical means (capture, storage, and irrigation) has ultimately led to greater uncertainty and civilization failure. This article explores the concept of living with water as a complex entity, inseparably connected with all three levels of existential complexity—individual, social, and ecological—rather than as a commodity, which has led to our current uncertain status.

Introduction to Social Fuzziology

In a broad sense, fuzziness is the opposite of precision. Everything that cannot be defined precisely (that is, according to some broadly accepted criteria or norms of precision) and everything that has no clearly described boundaries in space or time is considered a bearer of fuzziness. In a narrow sense, fuzziness relates to the definition of fuzzy sets as proposed by Zadeh (Zadeh, 1965): sets, the belongingness to which is measured by a membership function whose values are between 1 (full belongingness) and 0 (non-belongingness).

Fuzziology and Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning reflects our lifelong urge to know about our personal and social worlds [1]; fuzziology [2, 3, 4] focuses on fuzziness (uncertainty, imprecision) inherent in what we consider as known. The famous paradox of knowing, formulated by Socrates nearly 2500 years ago bridges lifelong learning with fuzziology: The less we know, the more certain are our explanations; the more we know, the more aware we are about the limitations of being certain.

Use of fuzziology when dealing with hard negotiation

Fuzziology [1,2,3] studies fuzziness of human knowing, – its sources, nature and dynamics not in an endeavor to reduce or eliminate it but to understand and transcend its limitations so that instead of being considered as an obstacle, it could serve as a stimulus for realization of human creativity.

Fuzziology in search of insights for understanding global economy

According to a publication in “Le Monde Diplomatique” [1], Marcos — the leader of the world-widely supported Zapatista movement in Mexico — was the first to construct a theory linking economic globalization to the marginalization of a great majority of the world population.

Fuzzy Logic and the Management of Social Complexity

To manage social complexity means to manage: (1) the paradoxes inherent in social systems and their effects, thus avoiding the danger of double bind paralysis, and (2) the chaotic dynamics of social life as well as the effects of these dynamics, thus avoiding the danger of destruction and collapse. Fuzzy Logic helps in describing, analysing, understanding and eventually dealing with the paradoxical and chaotic nature of social systems. Research results related to a study of a fuzzy logic based consensus seeking enterprise are discussed in detail. It is shown how this enterprise can help people to deal with six dangerous maladies of today’s society. One of the maladies relates to the ‘butterfly effect’ manifested in politician narratives: a subtle variation in the use of fuzzy hedges creates the potential for a wide variety of interpretations reflecting divergent, even opposite, socio-economic consequences. Fuzzy logic also offers a useful framework for understanding the oscillations between disaggregation and communion in society: what matters in a ‘healthy community’ is the mutual acceptance of people such as they are. This is the starting point for any consensus seeking process.

Social fuzziology in action : acquisition and making sense of social information

Social Fuzziology [1] studies the fuzziness inherent in human understanding and dealing with social reality.