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An axiomatic theory is theory whose premise is so self-evident that it can be accepted as true without controversy or much empirical confirmation. In this paper, I entertain the contention that theorizing in information systems (IS) research is mostly axiomatic. If so, among the many ramifications are questions regarding the value relevance of such research. After all, if the field engages in creating theories that are in plain-view, self-evident, and can be deduced using common sense, what is the knowledge contribution of such endeavors? Is there value in producing such theories or is the effort invested in testing these kinds of theories a waste of precious resources? Has our preoccupation with axiomatic theories led to theoretical stagnation in the field? In this essay, I investigate the nature of axiomatic theories and make the case that much significant research in IS is not axiomatic.

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Valuable or Stagnating? An Essay on Axiomatic Theories in IS Research

An axiomatic theory is theory whose premise is so self-evident that it can be accepted as true without controversy or much empirical confirmation. In this paper, I entertain the contention that theorizing in information systems (IS) research is mostly axiomatic. If so, among the many ramifications are questions regarding the value relevance of such research. After all, if the field engages in creating theories that are in plain-view, self-evident, and can be deduced using common sense, what is the knowledge contribution of such endeavors? Is there value in producing such theories or is the effort invested in testing these kinds of theories a waste of precious resources? Has our preoccupation with axiomatic theories led to theoretical stagnation in the field? In this essay, I investigate the nature of axiomatic theories and make the case that much significant research in IS is not axiomatic.