This edited collection focuses on the contextual presence of theory, the practices of doing theory, and refractions on and agendas for theory respectively. The contributors to the first volume from around the world reflect a range of perspectives and positions in the debate about the purpose and value of educational theory.

Part I: The Contextual Presence of Theory The Empirical and the Political 'Fact' of Theory in the Social and Educational Sciences Thomas S. Popkewitz. Challenges of Educational Theory in the Age of Knowledge Capitalism Lisbeth Lundahl. Between Universally Claimed Theory and Common Understanding: Theoretical Knowledge in Education Daniel Tröhler. The Changing Field of Educational Studies and the Task of Theorising Education Joannes BellmannPart II: The Practice of Doing Theory Theories have Consequences, Don't They? On the Moral Nature of Educational Theory and Research Deborah Gallagher.Bildung and Educational Language: Talking of 'the Self' in Anglo-American Education Norm Friesen. On the Theoretical Limits of Education Alexander M. SidorkinPart III: Refractions on and Agendas for Theory Educational Theory and the Practice of Critique Robin Usherand Anna Anderson. The Excess of Theory: On the Functions of Educational Theory in Apparent Reality Tomasz Szkudlarek. Speaking Educationally about Teacher Education Anne M. Phelan. Teaching Theories Lynn Fendler. Towards an Agenda for Theoretical Interventions in Education Julie Allan, Richard Edwards and Gert Biesta.