formalism vs perfectionism

formalism

noun
  • The tendency to elevate formal above expressive value in music, as in serialism. 

  • One of several alternative computational paradigms for a given theory. 

  • The ontological view of mathematics as a mere collection of string manipulation rules. 

  • Strict adherence to a given form of conduct, practice etc. 

  • A particular mathematical or scientific theory or description of a given state or effect. 

  • A formal expression of a grammar; a formal grammar; a set of rules of syntax that, without reference to semantics, determine whether a sequence of symbols is a well-formed sentence in a given formal language. 

  • An approach to interpretation and/or evaluation focused on the (usually linguistic) structure of a literary work rather than on the contexts of its origin or reception. 

perfectionism

noun
  • An unwillingness to settle for anything less than perfection. 

  • A belief that spiritual perfection may be achieved during life, or that it should be striven for. 

How often have the words formalism and perfectionism occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )