Formal

Formal - relating to form

• Formal logic reasons about an argument based only on the form and not on the meaning.

Example

If

Socrates is a man

and

all men are mortal,

then Socrates is mortal

The conclusion follows from propositional logic. We can see the soundness of this argument by substituting in symbols to make the form clear.

If

S is a P

and

all P are M,

then S is M

Other Examples

• Formal verification[?] works in a formal language to attempt to prove formal properties[?] hold for a formal specification[?] of a formal system[?]
• Formal power series extend the notion of a power series by removing the requirement for convergance[?]. Thus they have the same form as a power serries, but a more abstract interpretation which can be applied more generally.
• Formal grammar - Formal set theory
• Formal occasions[?] such as a formal dinner party[?] or high tea might require one to wear formal attire[?] such as an evening gown[?] or tuxedo.

Compare with

• Informal -- Casual -- Intuitive