Final answer:
Karl Marx proposed that intellectuals should engage in praxis; that is, they should combine theory with practical action, actively participating in societal change to advance an equitable society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Karl Marx thought that intellectuals should engage in praxis, which meant that they should combine theory with practical action. This idea challenges intellectuals to go beyond theoretical discussions and actively participate in societal change in pursuit of an equitable society. Praxis, in the context of Marxist theory, is rooted in the concept of dialectical materialism, where change is seen as a result of the clash between opposing forces such as the capitalist bourgeoisie and the proletariat workers. Intellectuals are therefore encouraged to be change-makers rather than merely spectators or commentators. As part of the broader movement of critical theory, which originated from the Frankfurt School, intellectuals engaging in praxis would play a role in illuminating oppression and advocating for socio-economic transformations that align with Marxist ideals such as socialism and the abolishment of capitalism, which Marx and his collaborator Friedrich Engels believed caused societal ills. Instead of working within the existing capitalist framework to solve problems, Marxists seek to upend it entirely, viewing conflicts such as that between capitalists and workers as the catalyst for revolutionary change.