Formal theory can refer to:
- Another name for a theory which is expressed in formal language.
- An axiomatic system, something representable by symbols and its operators
- Formal theory from political science, the theoretical modeling of social systems based on game theory, dynamical systems theory, among other interdisciplinary fields.
Famous quotes containing the words formal and/or theory:
“That anger can be expressed through words and non-destructive activities; that promises are intended to be kept; that cleanliness and good eating habits are aspects of self-esteem; that compassion is an attribute to be prized—all these lessons are ones children can learn far more readily through the living example of their parents than they ever can through formal instruction.”
—Fred Rogers (20th century)
“There never comes a point where a theory can be said to be true. The most that one can claim for any theory is that it has shared the successes of all its rivals and that it has passed at least one test which they have failed.”
—A.J. (Alfred Jules)