Philanthropic Seminar: The Truth Wears Off

Similar to Scientists, Grantmakers experiment to learn what interventions or programs will have the best result. But what happens when the scientific community starts to doubt the validity of the scientific method? Jonah Lehrer reports that many scientific results that are rigorously proved and accepted start shrinking in later studies. Read what might be happening to the Truth and discuss with colleagues how to avoid similar challenges in philanthropy.

Reading:

Lehrer, Jonah. "The Truth Wears Off: Is There Something Wrong with the Scientific Method," The New Yorker (December 13, 2010).  http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2010/12/13/101213fa_fact_lehrer?currentPage=all

Demanding schedules often erase time for rich discussions on ideas and deeper reflection on our role as philanthropists. Let Maryland Philanthropy Network carve out time for you to explore new ideas and hear with what issues folks are wrestling. Each third Wednesday of the month (Jan-Apr), our conversation will spring from a short and unique reading assignment from outside philanthropy. Open to all Maryland Philanthropy Network members.