From his theory of recognition, Axel Honneth has derived a critical diagnosis for social pathology and provided the possibility of liberation for those who are suffering from distortion and deformation of social life. This paper will elaborate how theory of recognition works its way in terms of negativity, normativity, and emancipation, all of which are embedded in the critical theory. In doing so, that is expounding how Honneth analyzed the typology of recognition, social dynamics of disrespect, and reification as forgetfulness of recognition, Frankfurt School’s inheritance of the critical theory and its significance in the modern-day will also be revealed.