Some Recent Talks:

“Truth in Financial Accounting,” January 15, 2026 at 12 pm EST. Author: Chris Cowton (University of Huddersfield)
Interviewer: Lisa Warenski
Zoom link to be posted on Phinance

Abstract

Popular discussions of financial accounting often assume that accounting figures—such as profit—are true when they accurately describe or mirror some part of the world, and false or misleading when they fail to do so. In this interview, Chris explains, by examining key aspects of accounting practice, why this simple correspondence view is inadequate. At the same time, he shows how elements of accounting practice resonate with three major theories of truth. Without endorsing any specific form of alethic pluralism, the chapter highlights connections between accounting and correspondence, coherentist, and pragmatist conceptions of truth. Thus, although common-sense notions of direct correspondence may be overly simplistic, there remains good reason to reject the idea that “anything goes” when it comes to the truth of financial accounting numbers.

This interview is part of the In conversation: Exploring the Philosophy of Money and Finance series with contributing authors of The Philosophy of Money and Finance (OUP, 2024). The series is hosted by Phinance — The Philosophy and Finance Network. 

“Navigating the Epistemic Challenges of Risk Management in Financial Institutions.” (Part of a panel session entitled “Risk in Finance and Financial Institutions.”)
PPE Society Ninth Annual Meeting.
The Westin New Orleans. Nov 13-15, 2025.

“Risk Management from an Epistemic Perspective”
Phinance, the Philosophy & Finance Network (online)
11:30 am EST, February 03, 2025

“Cultivating Organizational Epistemic Virtues”
Business Ethics Seminar (online)
Groningen University and Tilburg University
30 May 2024

“Epistemic Virtue in Business. Yes. But How?”
Conference on Financial Ethics
Financial Ethics Group
University of Gothenburg
June 2 and 3, 2023