Constructive and algebraic methods of the theory of rough sets

This paper reviews and compares constructive and algebraic approaches in the study of rough sets. In the constructive approach, one starts from a binary relation and defines a pair of lower and upper approximation operators using the binary relation. Different classes of rough set algebras are obtained from different types of binary relations. In the algebraic approach, one defines a pair of dual approximation operators and states axioms that must be satisfied by the operators. Various classes of rough set algebras are characterized by different sets of axioms. Axioms of approximation operators guarantee the existence of certain types of binary relations producing the same operators. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.