This collection originated in, and is, an interdisciplinary dialogue. The subject of conversation is the social sciences in the twentieth century and the role of large-scale philanthropy, using Rockefeller philanthropy in particular as a case study. The intention is to draw a much needed integration of historical, theoretical, and philosophical perspectives on the development of modern knowledge systems and their mentors. The dialogue builds on the work of earlier historians and philosophers of science as well as pioneers in the study of philanthropy. Earlier descriptive studies have given way in the past 20 years to the more analytic stance taken by the authors represented in this volume.