THE NINE TYPES OF INTELLIGENCE
By
Howard Gardner
LINGUISTIC INTELLIGENCE (WORD SMART)
Linguistic intelligence
is the ability to think in words and to use language to express and appreciate
complex meanings. Linguistic intelligence allows us to understand the order
and meaning of words and to apply metalinguistics
skills to reflect on our use of language. Linguistic intelligence is the most
widely shared human competence and is evident in poets, novelists, journalists,
and effective public speakers. Young adults with this kind of intelligence
enjoy writing, reading, telling stories or doing crossword puzzles.
LOGICAL-MATHEMATICAL
INTELLIGENCE (NUMBER/REASONING SMART)
Logical-mathematical
intelligence is the ability to calculate, quantify,
consider propositions and hypotheses and carry out complex mathematical operations.
It enables us to perceive relationships and connections and to use abstract,
symbolic thought, sequential reasoning skills, and inductive and deductive
thinking patterns. Logical intelligence is usually well developed in mathematicians,
scientists and detectives. Young adults with lots of logical intelligence
are interested in patterns, categories and relationships. They are drawn to
arithmetic problems, strategy games and experiments.
BODILY-KINESTHETIC INTELLIGENCE (BODY SMART)
Bodily kinesthetic
intelligence is the capacity to manipulate objects and use a variety of physical
skills. This intelligence also involves a sense of timing and the perfection
of skills through mind-body union. Athletes, dancers, surgeons and craftspeople
exhibit well-developed bodily kinesthetic intelligence.
SPATIAL INTELLIGENCE (PICTURE SMART)
Spatial intelligence
is the ability to think in three dimensions. Core capacities include mental
imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, graphic and artistic skills,
and an active imagination. Sailors, pilots, sculptors, painters and architects
all exhibit spatial intelligence. Young adults with this kind of intelligence
may be fascinated with mazes or jigsaw puzzles, or spend free time drawing
or daydreaming.
MUSICAL INTELLIGENCE (MUSICAL SMART)
Musical intelligence
is the capacity to discern pitch, rhythm, timbre and tone. This intelligence
enables us to recognize, create, reproduce, and reflect on music, as demonstrated
by composers, conductors, musicians, vocalists, and sensitive listeners. Interestingly,
there is often an affective connection between music and the emotions. Also,
mathematical and musical intelligences may share common thinking processes.
Young adults with this kind of intelligence are usually singing or drumming
to themselves.
INTERPERSONAL INTELLIGENCE (PEOPLE SMART)
Interpersonal intelligence
is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. It involves
effective verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to note distinctions
among others, sensitivity to the modes and temperaments
of others, and the ability to entertain multiple perspectives. Teachers,
social workers, actors and politicians all exhibit interpersonal intelligence.
Young adults with this kind of intelligence are leaders among their peers,
are good at communicating and seem to understand others' feelings and motives.
INTRA-PERSONAL INTELLIGENCE (SELF SMART)
Intra-personal intelligence
is the capacity to understand oneself and one's thoughts and feelings, and
to use such knowledge in planning and directing one's life. Intrapersonal
intelligence involves not only an appreciation of the self, but also of the
human condition. It is evident in psychologists, spiritual leaders and philosophers.
These young adults may be shy but very aware of their own feelings and are
self-motivated.
NATURALIST INTELLIGENCE (NATURE SMART)
Designates the human ability to discriminate among living things
(plants, animals) as well as sensitivity to other features of the natural
world (clouds, rock configurations). This ability was clearly of value in
our evolutionary past as hunters, gatherers, and farmers; it continues to
be central in such roles as botanist or chef. It is also speculated that much
of our consumer society exploits the naturalist intelligences, which can be
mobilized in the discrimination among cars, sneakers, kinds of make-up and
the like.
EXISTENTIAL INTELLIGENCE
Sensitivity and capacity to tacle deep questions about human
existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die and how did we get here.
References
Gardner,
Howard. Overview of the Multiple Intelligences Theory. Association
for Supervision and Cuuriculum Development.
Armstrong, Thomas. "Multiple Intelligences." Dr.
Thomas Armstrong. 1998-2000. 11 Oct. 2003 <http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/multiple_intelligences.htm>.