Overview

We used to think you were either “Smart” (high IQ) or “Dumb” (low IQ). Howard Gardner said: “That’s too simple.” You might be bad at math but a genius at music. Or bad at writing but a genius at understanding people. He proposed 8 different types of intelligence.

Core Idea

The core idea is Pluralism. There isn’t one way to be smart. The 8 Types:

  1. Linguistic: Word smart (Poet).
  2. Logical-Mathematical: Number smart (Scientist).
  3. Spatial: Picture smart (Architect).
  4. Bodily-Kinesthetic: Body smart (Athlete).
  5. Musical: Music smart (Composer).
  6. Interpersonal: People smart (Politician).
  7. Intrapersonal: Self smart (Philosopher).
  8. Naturalist: Nature smart (Biologist).

Formal Definition

A theory proposing the differentiation of human intelligence into specific modalities. Proposed by Howard Gardner in 1983.

Intuition

  • The Computer: IQ thinks the brain is a single computer. If the processor is fast, you are smart at everything.
  • The App Store: Multiple Intelligences thinks the brain has different apps. You might have a great Music App but a buggy Math App.

Examples

  • Michael Jordan: He might not win a Nobel Prize in Physics, but his Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence is off the charts. Is he “dumb”? No.
  • School: Traditional school only values the first two (Linguistic and Logical). It ignores the other 6. This makes many smart kids feel stupid.

Common Misconceptions

  • It’s the same as Learning Styles: No. “Learning Styles” (Visual/Auditory) is a myth. Multiple Intelligences is about ability, not just how you like to learn.
  • Everyone is a genius: No. You can be bad at all 8. It just broadens the definition of potential.
  • g factor: The opposing theory. The idea that there is a general intelligence that correlates across all tasks. (Psychologists mostly support g, Educators love Multiple Intelligences).

Applications

  • Differentiation: Teachers trying to teach a lesson in 8 different ways to reach every kid.

Criticism / Limitations

  • Lack of Evidence: There is very little scientific evidence that these 8 categories exist in the brain. Critics say Gardner just redefined “Talents” as “Intelligences” to make people feel better.

Further Reading

  • Gardner, Howard. Frames of Mind.