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Informalism in philosophy is an approach within analytic philosophy that emphasizes the use of ordinary language to clarify philosophical problems. It emerged as a reaction against idealism and skepticism, asserting that common sense provides a reliable basis for understanding the world.1

Key aspects of informalism include:
* Ordinary-Language Philosophy: Philosophers like Gilbert Ryle and J.L. Austin argued that many philosophical issues arise from misunderstandings of everyday language. They focused on analyzing how words are used in normal conversation to resolve conceptual confusion.2
* Common-Sense Philosophy: This branch, championed by G.E. Moore, defends the certainty of common-sense beliefs, such as the existence of the Earth and other people, as a refutation of skepticism and idealism.1

Informalists view philosophy as an autonomous activity that, while acknowledging logic and science, does not use them as strict models for addressing conceptual problems.12

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