Project Parameters

I am interested in the light that modern insights from mathematics and mathematical modeling have shed on issues related to the apparent dichotomy of chance versus necessity. Specifically, statistical mechanics, chaos theory, complexity theory, quantum indeterminacy, and adaptive information systems are providing metaphors that illustrate that “unpredictable” is not identical with “random,” and “ordered” does not imply “deterministic.” Of course, these insights are intimately related to larger discussions on causality, naturalistic reductionism, God’s role in a material world, and many other philosophical issues.

I am currently focusing on comparing and combining “ambiguity,” as it is represented with the methods of fuzzy sets and fuzzy logic, with “indeterminacy,” as it is represented using probability. More specifically, I am looking for situations where modeling with a combination of fuzzy sets and probability seems most appropriate.

The first paragraph above is intended to indicate the breadth of context for my current interests, while the second suggests some well-directed efforts in the short term. I am currently very much in the reading/brainstorming stage on most of this material. I look forward to the opportunity to pursue these ideas in the context of workshop.