This paper focuses on the issue of how generalizations of continuous and left-continuous t-norms over linearly ordered sets should be from a logical point of view. Taking into account recent results in the scope of algebraic semantics for fuzzy logics over chains with a monoidal residuated operation, we advocate linearly ordered BL-algebras and MTL-algebras as adequate generalizations of continuous and left-continuous t-norms respectively. In both cases, the underlying basic structure is that of linearly ordered residuated lattices. Although the residuation property is equivalent to left-continuity in t-norms, continuous t-norms have received much more attention due to their simpler structure. We review their complete description in terms o...