Truth Decay and Community Engagement

Policy Circle Conversations at RAND

The words Truth Decay over a fading American flag painted on wood

Photo by vepar5/Adobe Stock

Date:

Thurs., Sep. 20, 2018

Time:

4:30 p.m. – Reception
5:15 p.m. – Program

Location:

RAND Corporation
4570 Fifth Avenue
Suite 600
Pittsburgh, PA
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Program

In a recent op-ed published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, RAND President and CEO Michael D. Rich and political scientist Jennifer Kavanagh wrote about what they refer to as the Truth Decay Paradox. “Increasingly, detailed data and complex analysis are the foundation of decision-making in baseball and many other professions and occupations. One notable exception is political and civil discourse in modern life, and the public policymaking that accompanies it.” Their research on Truth Decay showed that some of the greatest public policy failures in U.S. history occurred when insufficient attention was paid to available facts and data. Equally important, they found Truth Decay contributes to a growing disengagement of citizens from their government and the political process.

RAND political Scientist Jennifer Kavanagh and William “Pat” Getty, president of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, will talk about Truth Decay’s consequences on community engagement and resilience.

Featured Speakers

William “Pat” Getty

William P. Getty

President and Trustee, Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation

jennifer kavanagh

Jennifer Kavanagh

Political Scientist, RAND Corporation; Associate Director, Strategy, Doctrine, and Resources Program, RAND Arroyo Center; Professor, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Register for this Program

Register online here. You are welcome to bring a guest, but seating is limited and advance registration is required. Please register your guest separately. For further information, contact PGHevents@rand.org.