ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the handbook which explores the dialectic between institutional theories and the philosophy of pragmatism. The two orientations address different sides of public action and fulfil complementary functions. Institutional theories are conditional: addressing the patterning of sets of public norms. Pragmatism focuses on intentions and performative experiments of problem solving. They are two sides of the same coin. Their logic, however, is so different that active co-habitation has proven difficult. Both sides of public action are validated in processes of action; the challenge of the book is to explore their dialectic in processes of action.
