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Thu 16 Nov, 2006 04:28 am
This is driving me nuts. I need a definition of what is a 'Formal Generalization'.
It's in a sociological, pedagogical, philosophical sort of context (ie not mathematical - where the term seems to have been borrowed from).
I'd love a citation for the definition too. The term gets used in academic papers heaps 'We propose the formal generalization...' but no-one wants to say what one is. I've dredged a University library's paper and electronic collections for very paltry reward.
I don't think you'll find the definition you seek anywhere. It's intended as a creative expression to be understood in context. Perhaps a "formal generalization" is to be taken in contrast to an "empirical generalization." The first is theoretial, the second descriptive. The first describes a thought pattern, the second an actual or potential experiential pattern.
Thanks for having a shot at it JL.
I still find it hard to believe that a phrase used so often does not have a formal definition (pun not intended).
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