Associations to the word «Formalism»

Wiktionary

FORMALISM, noun. Strict adherence to a given form of conduct, practice etc.
FORMALISM, noun. (computing) One of several alternative computational paradigms for a given theory.
FORMALISM, noun. (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.
FORMALISM, noun. (music) The tendency to elevate formal above expressive value in music, as in serialism.
FORMALISM, noun. (mathematics) (physics) A particular mathematical or scientific theory or description of a given state or effect.

Dictionary definition

FORMALISM, noun. The doctrine that formal structure rather than content is what should be represented.
FORMALISM, noun. (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.
FORMALISM, noun. The practice of scrupulous adherence to prescribed or external forms.

Wise words

The most important things are the hardest things to say. They are the things you get ashamed of because words diminish your feelings - words shrink things that seem timeless when they are in your head to no more than living size when they are brought out.
Stephen King