On distance and proximity between Dummett and Brouwer

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the philosophical differences and similarities between Dummett's interpretation of intuitionism and Brouwer's original views, highlighting areas of convergence and divergence.

Contribution

It offers a nuanced comparison of Dummett's critique and Brouwer's intuitionism, especially on ontological, psychologism, and predicativity issues.

Findings

Dummett's arguments do not conclusively settle the debate.

Dummett's views are closer to Brouwer's on some themes than previously thought.

Substantial philosophical distance remains between Dummett and Brouwer.

Abstract

This paper asks what Brouwer might have replied to Dummett's interpretation of intuitionism. Complementing earlier literature, it treats Dummett's rejection of the ontological approach; the charge of psychologism and solipsism; indefinite extensibility; and predicativity. It is argued that Dummett's direct arguments against Brouwerian intuitionism do not settle the matter, and that, on the latter two themes,Dummett's position comes closer to Brouwer's than his own account suggests. The remaining philosophical distance, however, is substantial.