Fuzzy logic methods in recommender systems

Here we consider methodologies for constructing recommender systems. The approaches studied here differ from collaborative filtering, they are based solely on the preferences of the single individual for whom we are providing the recommendation and make no use of the preferences of other collaborators. We have called these reclusive methods. Another important feature distinguishing these reclusive methods from collaborative methods is that they require a representation of the objects. Considerable use is made of fuzzy set methods for the representation and subsequent construction of justifications and recommendation rules. It is pointed out these reclusive methods rather than being competitive with collaborative methods are complementary. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.