Formalism

Formalism is a term used across several disciplines to describe theories or approaches that treat form, structure, rules, or formal properties as primary over content, interpretation, or external reference. In philosophy of mathematics, formalism (notably associated with David Hilbert) treats mathematical theories as systems of symbols governed by axioms and inference rules; the meaning of the symbols is secondary to the correctness of manipulation within the formal system. Gödel's results showed inherent limits to achieving complete and consistent formalization.

In art and aesthetics, formalism analyzes artworks chiefly through their visual elements—line, color, shape, texture, composition—insisting that the work's value derives from its form rather than its subject matter or social message; in modern art criticism, this approach is associated with Clement Greenberg. Critics argue it can ignore context, intention, or historical meaning. In literary theory, formalism (including Russian Formalism) focuses on literary devices, syntax, narration, and structure, treating the text as an autonomous system.

In law, legal formalism emphasizes applying rules and procedures as written, without inserting extraneous considerations; critics claim it can fail to account for justice, purpose, or social consequences. Across fields, formalist positions are often contrasted with contextualist or substantive approaches that privilege content, purpose, or interpretation beyond formal properties.