■ Auditing as a field of knowledge
The question of whether auditing can be described as a ‘science’ is important in defining the theoretical foundations of auditing. It can provide insights into understanding the nature of this field. By using Robinson’s definition of science (1947), Mautz and Sharaf attempted to highlight the scientific nature of auditing. In their view, the status of auditing as a science depends more upon the meaning of the term ‘science’ than on anything else. If we conceive science as an organized body of knowledge, then auditing can lay some claim to meeting the requirements. If science is interpreted to mean the application of a method requiring the rigorous weighing of evidence and the application of a systematic method to a variety of situations, again auditing may qualify. But if we accept as sciences only those fields with the power to explain, predict, and control given phenomena, then auditing falls well short.