Fuzzy logic : a spectrum of theoretical & practical issues /

The editors explain in the preface that this book has four objectives: to give newcomers a clear idea of the importance of fuzzy logic, to give people familiar with fuzzy logic an indication of where fuzzy logic can most effectively proceed, to give funding agencies a picture of where their investment would produce maximum returns, and to give scientific and mathematical philosophers a picture of the state-of-the-art in fuzzy logic research. The first chapter, "Why Fuzzy Logic?" offers a brief history and an overview and summary of the technical areas covered in the book. The 18 chapters that follow discuss theoretical issues in fuzzy logic as well as pragmatic issues related to the use of fuzzy logic in mathematical modeling, natural language processing, data mining and knowledge engineering, bioinformatics, fuzzy logic control, pattern recognition, decision making, geology, and management and operations research. The editors also point out the need for a strategic plan for further progress. This comprehensive, up-to-date book certainly deserves a place in the libraries of all institutions where fuzzy logic is studied. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. R. Bharath emeritus, Northern Michigan University