Critique and cognitive capacities: Towards an action-oriented model

In response to an impasse, articulated in the late 1980s, cognitive capacities of ordinary people assumed central place contemporary critical social theory. The participants’ perspective gained precedence over scientific standards branded as external. notion cognition, however, went unchallenged. This article continues move away from external standards, and discusses two models critique, which differ based on their underlying notions cognition. representational model builds content, misrecognition normativity; three features are illustrated with positions adopted by prominent exponents An alternative understanding relies action-oriented disclosure basic familiarity world. On this reading, what clashes unequal structures is skilful coping, rather than representations normative standards. approach may overcome dilemma both impact possible transcendence structures, although it cannot ultimately replace critique.