That is, a people become emancipated, through their reflection and their own social action, from an oppressive, problematic, social situation. As a group, they rationally and freely determine the direction of their own lives by changing and improving their situation. Communicative action, both verbal and non-verbal, is based on a consensus that is taken for granted. Discourse is communication that results from this consensus being disturbed or disputed. Discourse, or the sharing of differences of opinions and beliefs, assists in testing the various claims of truth.
Discourse produces arguments and it is in argumentation that claims are examined and challenged.
The second phase of critique is enlightenment , which is initiated by the reflection or discourse of a group of people. Action is the goal of self-reflection and the social action is meant to apply and test theories gained in the enlightenment. Theory induced practice or action is the third phase of critical social science. In other words, people debate about the causes of their problems, gain new information through a sharing of thoughts and opinions, decide as a group on a theory of causation of their problems, which in turn directs them toward social action that is directed toward change of their social and political circumstances. This is all carried out with the expressed goal of solving their problems and meeting their heretofore unmet needs.