Single Idea 15939

[catalogued under 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 10. Constructivism / a. Constructivism]

Full Idea

For an intuitionist a mathematical statement is rendered true or false by a proof or disproof, that is, by a construction, and constructions are effected in time.

Gist of Idea

For intuitionists it is constructed proofs (which take time) which make statements true

Source

Michael Dummett (Elements of Intuitionism [1977], p.336), quoted by Shaughan Lavine - Understanding the Infinite VI.2

Book Reference

Lavine,Shaughan: 'Understanding the Infinite' [Harvard 1994], p.168


A Reaction

Lavine is quoting this to draw attention to the difficulties of thinking of it as all taking place 'in time', especially when dealing with infinities.