Applying fuzzy mathematics to formal models in comparative politics. With forewords by Lotfi A. Zadeh and Michael Proterra (Q2473789)

The authors' primary concern is to introduce a concept of applying fuzzy set theory to formal models in comparative politics in as accessible a manner as possible for comparativists and political scientists. For that reason as much as possible, they attempt to hone as closely to the vocabulary and assumptions of formal modelers in political science as possible. The approach has been motivated by a desire to see fuzzy set theory more broadly applied in that discipline. Indeed, given the often ambiguonus and vague nature of political phenomena, many of which are subjective, human constructs, fuzzy set theory seems ideally suited to the study of politics. That is most certainly the case for human preferences, which lie at the core of rational choice models.