Factoring fuzzy transitivity (Q5931168)

For precise (``nonfuzzy'') weak preference relation its transitivity is equivalent to the transitivity of both its components: asymmetric (strict preference) and symmetric (indifference). The authors examine four different ways in which fuzzy weak preference may be split (factorize) into fuzzy strict preference and fuzzy indeference [cf. e.g., \textit{J. C. Bezdek} and \textit{J. D. Harris}, same journal 1, 111-127 (1978; Zbl 0442.68093)], study eight alternative concepts of fuzzy transitivity [cf., e.g., \textit{B. Dutta}, Math. Soc. Sci. 13, 215-229 (1987; Zbl 0628.90002)] and discuss each of the resulting thirty two ``transitivity-factorization'' pairs from the point of view of links between the fuzzy transitivity of a fuzzy weak preference relation and that of its two fuzzy factors. Connections with the theory of consumer behavior and with the social choice theory are mentioned.