The Original Positions

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to bring out a conflict between Brouwer’s and Husserl’s philosophies of mathematics. I will begin by locating a particular point of disagreement, and pin down what it consists in. Disagreement by itself does not warrant speaking of a conflict. A further condition should be fulfilled, namely, the presence of mutual pressure. Two sources of such pressure are identified. Finally, we have to consider the ways in which the conflict could be resolved, and find one that is consistent with our phenomenological approach.