Formalism is a way of conducting research that involves using a scientific method or set of formulas with precision and accuracy .
Formalism can also consist of perceiving certain objects of study taking into account only the formal aspect, that is, the structure or organization of the content.
In relation to these two definitions, within certain disciplines, there are schools or currents that are formalist. For example: Russian formalism, formalism in architecture, formalism in ethics.
Examples of formalism
- Formalism in art theory . This is a movement within art that consists of making or studying visual art with an emphasis on form rather than content. That is, the creation of a work is more important than its idea or concept. Furthermore, some theorists maintain that content is studied, but that it is always subordinate to form.
- Russian Formalism . This is a literary theory, the first conceived as such, which proposed studying and delimiting what is unique and specific to literature (literariness) and what differentiates it from other types of texts or discourses. According to this theory, the difference had to do with literary form, because it is the only use of language capable of producing estrangement in the perception of an object.
- Formalism in architecture . This is an architectural movement that assumes that the form of a building, that is, its aesthetic design, is more important than its function. For example, the placement of windows may be determined by symmetry (a formal aspect) rather than by its intended use (function).
- Formalism in ethics (philosophy) . This theory assumes that ethical action is correlated with rational law, that is, that a person’s act is determined by formal aspects (the person’s intention) and not by material aspects (the act itself and its consequences).
- Formalism in law . This is a branch of legal philosophy linked to positivism, which assumes that all laws are valid simply because they are laws. Therefore, the judicial system is complete and valid and can address all issues that arise in relation to justice.
- Formalism in mathematics . This is a branch of mathematical philosophy that establishes that mathematics can function at an abstract level, meaning that only symbols can be used, without the need for these symbols to have a real-life reference. For this theory, what matters is the form of these symbols, that is, their rules of use, and not the entity they represent.
