Some Thoughts on the Intellectual Foundations of Accounting

Abstract

We report on a panel discussion at the 2001 CMU Accounting Mini-conference under the title "Intellectual Foundations of Accounting." We provide a background and the motivation for the discussion and present the remarks by the four panelists. A number of perspectives are taken. Sunder emphasizes dualities in accounting. Demski stresses the endogeneity of accounting measurement activities. Fellingham examines the core and superstructure of accounting. Ijiri observes the microcosmos in accounting and its philosophical connection. We also argue that accounting's intellectual foundations are far from settled and an on-going discussion is likely to help reinvigorate accounting scholarship.

Keywords: intellectual foundations, accounting

JEL Classification: M40