The main thesis is about growing popularity of critical theory in contemporary Polish sociology. After outlining the main themes of sociological analysis on the post-communist transformation I describe changes that gradually led to the development of a critical approach and to wider discussion on the problem of neutrality and commitment. In Poland the most popular are those aspects of critical theory which propose studying the hidden structural determinants in the development of sociological knowledge. It is due to Polish experience as a semi-periphery in the world system. Critical sociology also promotes reflection on public sociology and allows to consider the problem of involvement in Polish social science.