Fuzzy Set Theory and Concepts

A Proposal for Concept Formation and Operationalization

Dados Bibliográficos

ID2298972
AutoresMarta Quaranta (0000-0003-4056-8998, Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli, autor correspondente), Mario Quaranta
Ano2013
Volume12
Fascículo6
Páginas785-820
Data de publicação2013-01-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoComparative Sociology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1569-1322 • E-ISSN: 1569-1330
EditoraWalter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1163/15691330-12341283
OpenAlexW2027923922
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas5
Referências citadas59

The quantity-quality debate in social sciences also concerns concept formation and operationalization. The first approach has strong naturalist assumptions, while the second one focuses on the historical specificity of concepts. The solution to overcome this divide would be finding a path which balances the two perspectives. In this article we argue that fuzzy set theory can be a helpful tool for concept formation and operationalization. The application of fuzzy set theory to concept formation and operationalization provides, first, the opportunity of looking at concepts as complex constructs made up of attributes logically interconnected one with the other and, second, of measuring them accordingly. Thus, after presenting our general argument, we show a theoretical and an empirical application of how to use fuzzy sets in concept formation and operationalization

Argument (complex analysis · Economics · Epistemology · Fuzzy logic · Fuzzy set · Management science · Naturalism · Operationalization · Set (abstract data type · Sociology · Computer Science · Political Conflict and Governance · Qualitative Comparative Analysis Research · Artificial Intelligence