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

Semi-formal Laws of Logic

The messy, real-world application of formal logic where human language, context, and ambiguity crash into pure reason. These are the rules that govern arguments when you're not dealing with mathematical symbols but with actual sentences that mean slightly different things to different people. "A is A" becomes "A is A, unless A is being sarcastic, or metaphorical, or referencing a meme you don't understand." Semi-formal logic acknowledges that while the underlying laws are absolute, their application in human communication requires interpretation, charity, and occasionally, asking "What do you mean by that?"

Semi-formal Laws of Logic"Technically, when I said 'I'm literally dying of hunger,' I violated the Law of Identity because I'm not literally dying. But by Semi-formal Logic, you understood I was hangry and should have offered me a snack instead of correcting me."

by Dumu The Void February 23, 2026