THE JOY OF THEORY Martin McQuillan, Graeme Macdonald, Robin Purves and Stephen Thomson This is not the first time that Theory has been reported dead. This is not the first time that Theory has been reported dead. This is not the first time that reporting the death of Theory has been reported dead. This is not the first time that reporting the death of Theory has been reported dead. However, we believe we are the first to call for an end to reporting the death of reporting the death of Theory. It will come as no surprise to learn that the 'post' in 'post-theory' is not to be taken unequivocally - which immediately begs the question ofhow it is to be taken. Common Sense is only too happy to witness the passing of Theory. It was only a matter of time before we outgrew what had only ever been an irri- tating fad,just a phase we were all going through. Theory has no shortage of opponents waiting for the chance to say I told you so. Not that this distresses Theory. If resistant Blimps did not exist, Theory would have to invent them. The monolith of Common Sense has always been a fantasy ofTheory, and a gratifYing and sustaining one at that. Relegating resistance to an external reactionary force is always a profoundly comforting strategy. In any case, Theory itself is only too happy to witness the passing of Theory. Nothing stimulates the production of Theory like the proclamation of its own death, regardless of who makes the proclamation. On the one hand, attacked by hostile voices, it reacts with righteous indignation and redoubles its efforts to prove the doubters wrong. On the other, the death of Theory is a persistent theme in Theory. Theory has been troubled by futures, ends and limits for some time. In effect, what is at stake is the right to write its own epitaph. lX