Abstract

The aim of this paper is to think about the relationship between criticism, philosophy and normativeness. I will outline a conception of philosophy which is not completely sceptical with regard to itself. So I will begin by considering that the notion of criticism is central to a philosophical activity which is not reduced to a merely descriptive analysis. Therefore, I will outline some features and the conditions of possibility of a notion of philosophical criticism which can fulfil a new normative role: it allows us to see the normative level of contexts. But, at the same time and most importantly, I will argue that philosophy allows us to undertake a metanormative and trans-contextual criticism. Such an understanding also brings philosophy closer to the activities which somehow contribute to produce change, whether change refers to one’s own context or to a different context. From philosophical positions closely intertwined with political practice and with specific vital needs, it has become evident that a kind of trans-contextual connection within normativeness has again become indispensable for human beings.