Fuzziness, Science, the Knowledge Square and the Problem of Exact Science

Abstract

Given the structure of the theory of the knowledge square, as presented in previous chapters, we will now reflect on the structure of science and the theory of knowledge in relation to fuzziness that covers ambiguities, vagueness and quality in the information structure as an input for knowledge production. The stage of our modern knowledge, the speed of the global technological progress, the relationship between technological progress and knowledge, the required efficiency of organizational operations to use the human and non-human resources to improve human conditions and maintain life, the required efficiency of social management of synergetic relations, the increasing need for information and the complexities of our accepted knowledge, demand an important reexamination of certain philosophical claims on modes of reasoning and methods of acceptance of epistemic items as true or false in the knowledge-production process. Our knowledge-production enterprise has been partitioned into science and non-science with more social respect and credibility given to the results of science and the enterprise of science. Let us examine the structure and form of this partition.