Formaalistiset

Formaalistiset is a term that can refer to several related concepts, primarily in the context of art, literature, and philosophy. In its broadest sense, formalist approaches emphasize the form, structure, and aesthetic qualities of an object or work over its content, meaning, or external context. This means that the emphasis is placed on how something is made, its composition, its style, and its internal relationships, rather than what it represents or its social, historical, or psychological significance.

In art criticism, formalist analysis often focuses on elements such as line, shape, color, texture, and composition. Critics like Clement Greenberg were prominent proponents of formalism, arguing that art should focus on its own medium and its inherent properties. This perspective suggests that the value of a work of art lies in its formal elements and their arrangement, independent of any narrative or symbolic interpretation.

In literature, formalist criticism, particularly Russian Formalism, examined literary texts by analyzing their linguistic and structural features. This included the study of plot, narrative devices, rhyme, meter, and other stylistic elements to understand how a literary work creates its effect. The focus was on the "literariness" of the text, the specific techniques that distinguish it as literature.

Philosophically, formalism can be seen in theories that prioritize abstract rules, systems, or structures. For example, in logic and mathematics, formal systems are concerned with the validity of inferences based on the form of propositions rather than their specific content. This abstract, rule-based approach is a core aspect of formalist thinking across various disciplines. The term implies a systematic and rigorous examination of the underlying structure and organization of a subject.