Hermann Weyl's intuitionistic mathematics (revised edition)

Abstract

It is common knowledge that for a short while Hermann Weyl joined Brouwer in his pursuit of a revision of mathematics according to intuitionistic principles. There is, however, little in the literature that sheds light on Weyl's role, and in particular on Brouwer's reaction to Weyl's allegiance to the cause of intuitionism. This short episode certainly raises a number of questions: what made Weyl give up his own program, spelled out in \Das Kontinuum", how come Weyl was so well-informed about Brouwer's new intuitionism, in what respect did Weyl's intuitionism di er from Brouwer's intuitionism, what did Brouwer think of Weyl's views,........ ? To some of these questions at least partial answers can be put forward on the basis of some of the available correspondence and notes. The present paper will concentrate mostly on the historical issues of the intuitionistic episode in Weyl's career...