Accounting positivism: a succinct explanation of this epistemological trend

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35290/re.v2n3.2021.412

Keywords:

positivism, accounting positivism, epistemology, Auguste Comte

Abstract

Through a literature review, this article describes how the positivist current on the one hand, and accounting positivism on the other, were positioned worldwide and the way in which Watts and Zimmerman defined it; in other words, it tried to understand the evolution of this epistemological current focused on an accounting point of view. The literature review was applied to research related to the area of accounting, in order to define the role that this science began to have from the epistemological point of view. The results show that the thematic raised at the present time is still the most used by researchers worldwide, despite the fact that there are already other epistemological currents on the rise. The most relevant aspects in the studies carried out were the empathy with this current at a global level. As a final reflection, and after this discussion throughout this study, it can be established that positivism seen in the accounting field, refers to the observation of economic facts in an objective way, where accounting is visualized as it is, admitting knowledge based on experience, leaving aside any idealistic and absolutist conception.

References

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Published

2021-10-10

How to Cite

García Tamayo, H. (2021). Accounting positivism: a succinct explanation of this epistemological trend. ERUDITUS JOURNAL, 2(3), 95–108. https://doi.org/10.35290/re.v2n3.2021.412