ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on an influential approach that emphasizes the more distinctly normative relationship between participants—the obligations or commitments one has when acting with another. Joint action is an achievement, something brought about by the shared agency of the participants. There are insights behind both psychological and social/institutional approaches to cohesiveness or integration of agents in joint action. Some joint action is fluid, forming spontaneously and dissipating just as easily. At a large reception individuals circulate among a number of group conversations without seeking permission from all or even any of the individuals involved, and no one is thought to be at fault. If the obligation requires seeing one's performance as a contribution to joint action, then fulfilling this obligation would require one to have some understanding of joint action as such.
