On distance and proximity 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.