formalism

1 the doctrine that formal structure rather than content is what should be represented [ant: imitation]

2 (philosophy) the philosophical theory that formal (logical or mathematical) statements have no meaning but that its symbols (regarded as physical entities) exhibit a form that has useful applications

3 the practice of scrupulous adherence to prescribed or external forms

English

Noun

1. In the context of "computing": One of several alternative computational paradigms for a given theory.
2. In the context of "literature": An approach to interpretation and/or evaluation focused on the (usually linguistic) structure of a literary work rather than on the contexts of its origin or reception.
3. In the context of "music": The tendency to elevate formal above expressive value in music, as in Serial music.

Translations

• Croatian: formalizam
• German: Formalismus

Formalism or formalization is the activity or its product which rigorously follows a set/system of rules previously defined and usually known.

It can refer to a set of beliefs in philosophy, art, literature, or music.

• Formalism (art)
• Formalism (film)
• Formalism (music)
• Formalism (law)
• Formalism (literature)
• Formalism (philosophy)
• Formalism (mathematics), see Philosophy of mathematics.