The Accounting Review Vol. 37 No. 3 1962
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ACCOUNTING AND MATHEMATICS.
Abstract
This article presents a comparative analysis of accounting and mathematics. From a formal point of view, there is a complexity similarity in the methods of mathematical and accounting analyses. Both reason sequentially from basic propositions to "useful" conclusions, sufficient conditions are hypothesized, and necessary conclusions are hopefully derived. This natural orientation toward the deductive method should eventually provide a basis for an axiomatic systematization of extant accounting knowledge, perhaps in a fashion analogous to Euclid's classical formulation of geometry. It is suggested that the fundamental similarity between the reasoning processes of mathematics and accounting exposes an appropriate source of useful refinements in the accounting methodology. In particular, consideration of these characteristics of the methodology of mathematics points the way for strengthening the logical consistency of present accounting analyses; further, research directed toward this goal may in time produce completely new "systems" of accounting. The values of mathematics are only partially appreciated and hesitantly accepted by accountants. Other disciplines have experienced even greater difficulty penetrating the shell of accounting conservatism. The hope is here expressed that accountants will explore more fully those fields of basic knowledge having some observed relationships no matter how tenuous-to accounting to the end that their mutual interests and attributes may propose more fundamental common characteristics.
- DOI
- 10.2308/tar-7098753
- Volume
- 37
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 410-414
- Language
- en
- Sources
- openalex crossref