Due to its innovative approach, the study of Mautz and Sharaf (1961) was a seminal work regarding the theoretical foundations of auditing, and is considered as a milestone in auditing. In their view, the development of a philosophy of auditing requires a study of its nature and problems in the light of principles. This calls for an examination of its methods, presuppositions and concepts. In this respect, they proposed a philosophy of auditing that elaborated first principles and thereby attempted to provide a systematic organization of a hitherto loose structure of practices and ideas. They investigated the possibility of an integrated body of auditing theory.