Definition of "Formalism" needed

[larsgsvensson]

At some places (e. g. Rob's proposal for a RDF vocabulary and model for profiles) we use the term "formalism" for which I haven't been able to find a good definition. Once we've agreed on one we should add that to the Profile Guidance Document

[aisaac]

I'm afraid that trying to define this won't be easy.

Could 'formalism' be replaced by anything more precise, where it's used, or just removed?

Or if we use it as an umbrella term for other notions, then can our definition just be that enumeration?

[nicholascar]

This term is listed in our set of definitions in our deliverable documents so we need to complete the selection/establishment of a definition.