Dummett's intuitionism is not strict finitism (Q1187232)

Michael Dummett has argued against the use of classical logic in mathematical proofs and the concomitant realist philosophy of mathematics, insisting that mathematical statements should admit some kind of ``test of comprehension''. It has been said that a similar argument might be brought forward against the intuitionistic position itself by a so-called finitist mathematician. The author explains why he thinks that such an argument would not be valid. Dummett's own answer to the finitist objection does not satisfy him. He claims that the finitist position is inconsistent, and that (Dummett's) intuitionistic position is sound.