Fuzzy logic, concepts and semantic transformers

Abstract

In standard fuzzy logic, the meaning of a predicate is identified with a fuzzy extension, i.e. a fuzzy set. This approach abstracts away from the semantic function of concepts. Informally speaking, a concept is a structure in our semantic memory that allows us to categorize objects into the extension of a predicate. In this paper, I present an implementation of concepts in fuzzy logic. The implementation allows fuzzy logic to extend its functional scope. I discuss one new function, i.e. the modeling of fuzzy reasoning with semantic transformers. Semantic transformers are words and phrases that are capable of transforming the meaning of predicates. Intuitive examples are technically and loosely speaking, e.g. "Technically speaking, Richard Nixon is a Quaker" and "Loosely speaking, a vase can be called furniture." 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.