proceduralist

A proceduralist is a person who emphasizes procedures, rules, or processes as the primary basis for judgment, action, or legitimacy rather than focusing on outcomes alone. The term is used across different fields to describe adherence to or advocacy for structured methods and formalized steps.

In law and governance, proceduralism highlights the importance of due process, transparency, and standardized procedures in decision-making. Proponents argue that fair and consistent procedures protect rights, enable accountability, and foster public trust, even if the substantive results are uncertain or contested. Critics, however, contend that an excessive focus on procedure can entrench formalism or hinder timely action.

In philosophy and political theory, proceduralism refers to the view that the legitimacy of institutions stems from fair and adequate procedures rather than from the specific content of their decisions. This contrasts with outcome-focused or substantive theories of justice and can be connected to concerns about legitimacy, deliberation, and democratic practice.

In computing and the arts, proceduralism may describe a preference for procedures or algorithms as the primary vehicles for producing work. In programming, a proceduralist approach emphasizes code organized around functions or procedures. In algorithmic art or procedural generation, works emerge from rules and processes rather than solely from final results.

Etymology stems from the Latin procedere, meaning to proceed. The term is used variably across disciplines to denote a priority on method, process, and rule-governed behavior.

See also: procedural justice, due process, procedural programming, procedural generation, proceduralism in philosophy.