Based on the Gramscian concept of intellectuals, seen through the political engagement perspective, the text presents a reflection on their scientific-philosophical, educational-cultural and political roles in the struggle for hegemony among the classes in a capitalist environment. It is here highlighted the difficulty in conceptualizing "intellectual", because the term generates various meanings and is used in different ways to identify individuals and/or social groups in social-political and educational actions, and we present the Gramscian conception of intellectual, driven by the Marxian class category.
Antonio Gramsci; education; engagement; hegemony; intellectuals