Fuzzy Sets and Systems I: An Introduction With Cases from Business Informatics, Computer Science and Engineering

In an era where digital transformation demands ethical foresight and human-centered design, this first volume of a comprehensive trilogy explores how individuals can navigate complexity through responsible technological engagement. By integrating design science research with fuzzy systems theory, it offers a foundation for embedding ethical behavior and sustainable thinking into personal decision-making. The book presents experimentally grounded insights into the scalability and efficiency of human-centric information systems.

Volume I introduces fuzzy sets and systems through the ethical lens of the honorable merchant, a holistic concept from medieval Europe. Focusing on the individual level, it explores how humanistic principles inform leadership and responsibility in business informatics, computer science, and engineering. Topics include approximative measurements, reputation management, knowledge carriers, data warehousing, and phenotropic interactions. A responsible actions framework concludes the volume, offering practical guidance for ethically navigating uncertainty in individual contexts.

This textbook trilogy is primarily intended for students of computer science, business information systems, and innovation management who aspire to make a meaningful impact. It will also appeal to managers who value balanced perspectives and data-driven analysis.

Edy Portmann is Professor of Soft and Cognitive Computing at the Department of Informatics, the Human-IST Institute, and the Mobiliar Center for Resilience at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. He also serves as President of the FMsquare Foundation. His research interests include cognitive computing, computational ethics, computing with words, perceptual computing, and soft computing.

Gwendolin Wilke is a Lecturer in Data Analytics and Mathematics at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, and a member of the FMsquare Foundation, both based in Switzerland. Her research focuses on data analytics and human-data interaction.

Luis Terán is a Lecturer and Senior Researcher at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and a Senior Researcher and Privatdozent at the Human-IST Institute, University of Fribourg, both Switzerland. He is also President and Founder of the Society for Ethical, Inclusive, and Sustainable Computing. His research interests include data science, explainable artificial intelligence, recommender systems, human-centered computing, digital ethics, and fuzzy classification.

Sara D’Onofrio is an IT specialist at the Canton of Zurich, a member of the FMsquare Foundation, and a volunteer for non-profit organizations, all based in Switzerland. Her research focuses on  IT business alignment, human-machine interaction, artificial intelligence, IT security, and digital ethics.