Abstract 

　　This article will analyze three fundamental elements of critical social theory: critique, explanation and normativity. It will show that only an articulation of all three elements in their mutual constitutive relations will enable them to take a crucial place in critical social theory. Firstly, it will clarify the need for critical social and political theory to have an internal character. Secondly, it will concentrate on the relations between individual elements of the above-mentioned trichotomy. Thirdly, it will deal with external social criticism. To conclude, it will explain why critical social theory is able to confront the pitfalls of authoritarian theoretical approaches which are widespread in social and political theory in the West and elsewhere. 

　　Keywords: critical theory; critique; explanation; normativity 

　　From: International Critical Thought 2012 2 (4) 

　　Editor: Wang Yi 

　　https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21598282.2012.730369?src=most-cited-all-time