"An intelligence is the ability to solve problems, or to create products, that are valued within one or more cultural settings”
Gardner is best known for his Theory of Multiple Intelligences which he formed in 1983. As opposed to Spearman’s General Intelligence theory, Gardner proposed that intelligence and related behaviour is not the product on any single, unique attribute or quality of the mind. Instead, there are different forms of intelligence that arise from distinct symbolical ‘pools of mental energy’. Each pool provides a person with the ability to resolve issues and invent products that appeal to at least one cultural environment. Gardner arrived at this theory through the observation of individuals who would otherwise be considered mentally deficient yet showed exemplary aptitudes in specific cognitive abilities. For example, autistic individuals who were incapable of normal social interactions and speech showed tremendous skill in music or mathematics .
According to Gardner, there are seven key intelligences which are: a) spatial, b) linguistic, c) bodily-kinesthetic, d) logical-mathematical, e) intrapersonal, f) interpersonal, and g) musical. Spatial intelligence refers to the ability of a person to visualize and perceive things that are either not in existence at the time or it exists but the person is unaware of it. For example, a fashion would imagine the embellishments to be made on a future creation using spatial intelligence. Linguistic intelligence, as the name suggests, is the ability to learn how to speak, read and write languages. Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence is utilized by a person to perform intricate body movements such a wood carving, performing surgeries or dancing. Logical-mathematical intelligence allows a person to solve mathematical and scientific problems. Intrapersonal intelligence allows a person to comprehend one’s own abilities and skills, emotions and needs to be able to address problems in a logical manner. Similarly, interpersonal intelligence enables a person to judge these attributes in those around them so that their aptitude to interact on a social level improves. Finally, musical intelligence is used by artists and musicians to learn music and play instruments by ear or facilitates eloquence in speech of an orator.
According to Gardner, traditional theories of intelligence lay too much focus on the linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences, while, based on the circumstances that a person finds themselves in and their relevant background, different intelligences prove to be as effective and often gain precedence over others . Gardner currently acts as the Senior Director of Project Zero, Harvard University’s research group focused on the understanding and development of creativity, thinking and learning in the arts, humanities and sciences at an individual as well as institutional level.
Works Cited
Gardner, H. Frames of mind. The theory of multiple intelligences. New York: BasicBooks, 1983.
—. Multiple intelligences: The theory in practice. New York: BasicBooks, 1993.
