Conceptual Rethinking of Intellectual Development Serves as Cultural Foundation for Transforming the Education System

The present research is aimed at painting an overall picture of intellectual development in which the concept, nature, characteristics and elements of intellect as well as its role in human life take center stage. This study is also meant to focus on development of intellect based on some prominent viewpoints and on theory of “human agency”. This research assumes that intellectual development of learners is instrumental in transformation of the country’s education system and to that end, the theory of human agency prepares the cultural groundwork for such overhaul. To secure the goals of the research, comparative analysis and practical comparison have been used. Along the way some theoretical and fundamental principles including the meaning and nature of intellect, particularly as far as ontology and teleology are concerned, have been reviewed. Then the components and elements of intellect as defined by the theory of human agency and their correlation with pragmatism have been explained. Finally, based on the findings of the research, the following have been proposed for the development of intellect among learners: developing a holistic approach to learners, testing the explanations and understandings based on evidence and experience, multifaceted handling of issues from different angles, developing the creativity of learners, and setting the stage for the analysis, arbitration and ethical behavior.