Formal Theory

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:

    “Then the justice,
    In fair round belly with good capon lined,
    With eyes severe and beard of formal cut,
    Full of wise saws and modern instances;
    And so he plays his part.”
    —William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

    “If my theory of relativity is proven correct, Germany will claim me as a German and France will declare that I am a citizen of the world. Should my theory prove untrue, France will say that I am a German and Germany will declare that I am a Jew.”
    —Albert Einstein (1879–1955)