Pragmatism is experiencing a resurgence in law, philosophy and social science, with pragmatists seeking a consistent, comprehensive and productive understanding of social life. In its four sections this book sets out to contribute to the reinvigoration of pragmatism as an important intellectual tradition and contributor to inquiry and change in social life. Each section of the book is introduced by essays from participants in the metaphysical club which met at Harvard between 1869 and 1872 and these essays sketch out key aspects of pragmatism upon which the original contributions build. Throughout the book, the concrete linkage between policy, theory and method is emphasized, while recognizing the philosophical tradition in which the inquiries and prescriptions rest.