Converging Heresies: Irving Fisher, John Bennet Canning, and the Theory of Income Between Economics and Accountancy

Abstract This article explores the critical exchange between Irving Fisher and John Bennet Canning concerning the theory of income, highlighting an overlooked episode in the history of economics. In a letter to Ragnar Frisch in 1932, Fisher acknowledged Canning's criticism as the most constructive he had ever received on his theories of capital and income. The article delves into Fisher's theoretical works, contrasting them with Canning's book, The Economics of Accountancy (1929). Canning was an economist-accountant who, although initially inspired by Fisher, argued that income—rather than capital—should serve as the foundational concept in economic theory. This study revisits Fisher's early and later views on income, providing a nuanced account of Canning's influence on Fisher's work. The analysis demonstrates how Fisher took up some of Canning's criticisms, particularly those concerning the practical applicability of income concepts, yet held firm to his core theoretical positions, showing little responsiveness to the more fundamental challenges. By dissecting their converging heresies, the article sheds light on the intellectual dynamics between a significant figure in economics and a lesser-known economist, underscoring the relevance of their debate to contemporary economic theory and practice. This historical investigation also emphasizes the ongoing importance of foundational concepts in economics.