The term formalism refers to a number of theses and programs in the philosophy of art and art criticism, all of which assign a priority to the formal elements of works of art.

The doctrine of formalism exists in a number of versions, not all of them compatible with one another, but in general it is a thesis that insists on the importance—either preeminent or exclusive—of the formal features of works of art in determining the value of those works. As such, it is both a topic for philosophical debate and a prescription for critical practice. This brief essay gives a description of the philosophical background of formalism, an indication of formalist commitments in criticism, and a statement of some logical problems besetting formalism.

Philosophical Background

The philosophical basis of formalism is often, and typically, traced to Kant, and indeed Kant is...