Formal Social Sciences

The attempt to apply the methods of formal sciences—mathematics, logic, abstract modeling—to the study of human society, with predictably mixed results. Game theory explains why people cooperate (sometimes), social network analysis maps who talks to whom (approximately), and formal models of political behavior predict elections (except when they don't). The challenge is that humans are not logical symbols; we are messy, contradictory, and prone to doing things just because. Formal social sciences are what happen when mathematicians discover that people refuse to follow the rules.

Example: "A formal social sciences study used game theory to prove that rational actors would never start a war, as the costs always outweigh the benefits. The researchers then looked at human history, which is basically a list of wars, and concluded that humans are either irrational or playing a different game. Probably both."

by Abzugal February 14, 2026

Formal Technologies

The tools and systems designed to manipulate abstract symbols according to strict rules, enabling everything from simple arithmetic to complex computer programs. This includes calculators (slaves to the algorithm), programming languages (formal systems that are surprisingly forgiving of missing semicolons), and the humble spreadsheet, which has launched a thousand careers and caused a thousand nervous breakdowns when someone sorted the wrong column. Formal technologies give us power over abstraction, which we primarily use to make pretty charts about things that don't matter.

Example: "She used formal technologies to build a complex financial model that predicted market trends with 95% accuracy. Unfortunately, the model was based on historical data, and the market, not being a formal system, promptly did something unpredictable and made all her charts wrong. She blamed the model; the model blamed reality."

by Abzugal February 14, 2026

Formal Sciences

The branch of knowledge that studies abstract structures and symbolic systems, unconcerned with whether they correspond to anything in the real world. Mathematics, logic, and theoretical computer science live here, in a pristine realm where 2+2 always equals 4 and arguments are either valid or invalid, not just "like, your opinion, man." Formal sciences are beautiful, consistent, and utterly indifferent to the messy reality of human existence, which is why mathematicians are so calm and everyone else is so confused.

Example: "He loved the formal sciences because in mathematics, unlike in relationships, things either worked or they didn't, and when they didn't, you could prove why. His girlfriend pointed out that this attitude might be why he had so much time for mathematics."

by Abzugal February 14, 2026

Formal Laws of Logic

The immutable, mathematical rules that govern valid reasoning, regardless of content. Think of them as the operating system of rational thought. The big three are the Law of Identity (A is A), the Law of Non-Contradiction (A cannot be both A and not-A at the same time and in the same sense), and the Law of Excluded Middle (either A is true, or not-A is true—no middle option). These aren't suggestions; they're the bedrock upon which all sound arguments are built. Violate them, and your reasoning collapses into incoherence faster than a house of cards in a hurricane.

"You say you both love me and don't love me simultaneously, and that this is somehow a valid emotional state? I don't care what your therapist says—the Formal Laws of Logic demand you pick a lane, or this conversation is over."

by Dumu The Void February 23, 2026

former President

Motherfucker

And the president at the time invited the Taliban to Camp David. A place of storied significance for us as Americans, a place where we honor the importance of American diplomacy, where we invite and receive respected world leaders. And this...FORMER PRESIDENT...as president, invited them to Camp David because he does not again appreciate the role and responsibility of the President of the United States to be commander in chief with a level of respect.

by YourPreudonym October 1, 2024

Formal Declaration

An official way of asking someone to be your girlfriend, oftentimes seen as silly by parents. It can be an awkward conversation between a dude's girlfriend and his father when asking her about the "Formal Declaration"

"Back in my day, we didn’t need any of these formal declarations to ask someone out. Now they show up with a physical calendar, scheduling the date and pre-marking anniversaries like it’s a business contract!"

by mouseman956 January 4, 2025

Formica

The act of worshipping a self-serving orange piece of trash to convince yourself and others that you "own the libs" when in reality the libs know you're actually sub-average intelligence and lack critical thinking skills.

That guy over there tried to formica me when he claimed that a nazi salute is nothing more than a roman salute and that I see nazis everywhere, however even the nazis said it's a nazi salute. I'd suggest he read up about it but he likely doesn't know how to read. 🤷🏻 ♀️

by Tabortico January 21, 2025