Introduction. Part I: The Problem of Performativity 1. A Few Theoretical Rudiments 2. The Consideration of Economic Reality Part II: Elementary Case Studies 3. Recounting Financial Objects 4. Discovering Stock Prices 5. Testing Consumer Preferences 6. Realizing Business Value 7. Indicating Economic Action. Tentative Conclusion. Bibliography

Do instruments such as performance indicators, valuation formulas, consumer tests, stock prices or financial contracts represent an external reality? Or do they rather constitute, in a performative fashion, what they refer to? The Provoked Economy tackles this question from a pragmatist angle, considering economic reality as a ceaselessly provoked reality. It takes the reader through a series of diverse empirical sites - from public administrations to stock exchanges, from investment banks to marketing facilities and business schools - in order to explore what can be seen from such a demanding standpoint.

Fabian Muniesa is a researcher at the Centre de Sociologie de l'Innovation, École des Mines de Paris. He looks at calculation, valuation and organization from a pragmatist standpoint, with a focus on the problems of business pedagogy, managerial performance, financial innovation and economic reasoning.