The prospective symposium will consist of confessional essays by social scientists about their existence as social scientists. We aim to have a preponderance of economists, but other social scientists are also welcome. Only genuine narrative and sincere reflection are welcome. However, essays may be anonymous.

In a rich body of highly regarded work, the Duke University economist Timur Kuran has developed a theory of preference falsification: the individual may publicly express views or attitudes that are false to his or her true private views or attitudes.

The symposium will be edited by Professor Peter Gordon of University of Southern California. Authors who wish to remain anonymous in print will nonetheless disclose their true identity to Professor Gordon, who will serve as confidante of such authors. No one else will be privy to such information. Authors may need to disguise specific facts. Professor Gordon will verify all facts that are reasonably verifiable.