Fuzzy set theory provides a means for modeling the kind of uncertainty associated with vagueness, with imprecision, and/or with a lack of information regarding a particular element of the problem on hand. The underlying power of fuzzy set theory is that it uses linguistic variables, rather than quantitative variables, to represent imprecise concept.

The incorporation of fuzzy logic and fuzzy set theory into computer models has shown tremendous payoff in areas where intuition and judgment still play major roles in the model. Fuzzy mathematical tools and the calculus of fuzzy IF-THEN rules provide a most helpful paradigm for the implementation and automation of an extensive body of human knowledge therefore not embodied in the quantitative modeling process.