In this paper I present an account of the main contributions of what I call the "pragmatist orientation"--a prime example of inductive inquiry in philosophy--and consider how such contributions can expand, challenge, and be challenged by what I call the "Catholic imagination." I proceed in three movements. First, I provide and defend a characterization of the pragmatist orientation as constituted by the following features: (1) a deep awareness of the contingency of human existence and, therefore, of philosophical categories and systems, (2) an inclination toward concreteness, experience, and action, (3) a great emphasis on intersubjectivity in the formation and verification of ideas, values, and norms, (4) and a commitment to democracy as a way of life. These four features signal the inductive orientation of pragmatism and, I contend, can enrich theological inquiry. Second, I develop each of these points in dialogue with the Catholic way to imagine the eucharist. Here I draw from doctrinal conceptions of the sacrament, but I am significantly more interested in popular ways to imagine both the theology of the eucharist as well as its practical effects in the community of believers. Lastly, I return to pragmatism from (inductively) the perspective of the Catholic imagination to highlight some of the shortcomings (especially in James and Dewey) of this school of thought when it comes to the assessment of religion in general, and the Catholic faith and liturgy, in particular.