Formalisms

noun

1. Strict adherence to a given form of conduct, practice etc.
2. One of several alternative computational paradigms for a given theory.
3. 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.
4. The tendency to elevate formal above expressive value in music, as in serialism.
5. A particular mathematical or scientific theory or description of a given state or effect.