Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Intelligence is a psychological construct that has been studied throughout the history of psychology, and also from other related sciences.

The first proposals that defined it spoke of a type of rather numerical and / or linguistic intelligence. However, authors began to emerge who saw beyond these intelligences.

It is the case of the Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, where this author speaks of up to 11 different intelligences. His proposal was a revolution, because it broadened this field of knowledge and allowed other competencies and strengths of the person to begin to be valued beyond her “cognitive level”.

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Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences: what does it consist of?

Howard Gardner is an American psychologist and researcher, known for making great contributions in the field of cognitive abilities.

Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences comes from Evolutionary Psychology, and has Piagetian influence (from Jean Piaget).

This theory argues that cognitive competence (or intelligence) is actually a set of skills, mental capacities or talents, that is, there are many "intelligences" that every individual possesses.

All of these intelligences are equally important to daily life; simply, each one of them has specific characteristics, and is used in some areas or others. For example, linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligences are the ones most used in school or in academia. However, other types of intelligence within Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences will be used more in other areas.

Thus, Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences contemplates 11 types of differentiated intelligences, Which are the following.

1. Linguistic intelligence

Linguistic intelligence is "classical" intelligence, in the sense that almost whenever we hear about intelligence, we think about it (along with logical-mathematical intelligence). It is about intelligence related to being able to read, write and communicate, that is, based on language.

It also means being good at learning languages, and being able to express yourself correctly and efficiently. It is one of the intelligences that is most potentiated in schools.

2. Logical-mathematical intelligence

The second intelligence raised by Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences is logical-mathematical. Another of the "classics", is related to numbers, calculation, and ultimately, with mathematics. It is also related to more logical processes, abstract reasoning, etc.

Along with the previous one, it is one of those that is most promoted in school, often neglecting other types of intelligence.

3. Spatial intelligence

Spatial intelligence has to do with how we perceive spaces, and with how we place ourselves within them. It is also related to visuo-motor and visuo-spatial processes, and with the ability to memorize paths and know how to orient ourselves.

That is why some studies have shown how taxi drivers have a more spatial intelligence developed, because they are used to traveling a lot and memorizing streets, routes and trajectories.

4. Musical intelligence

Musical intelligence is logically related to music, and to the ability to play an instrument well, to be sensitive to musical notes (knowing differentiate them, sing them ...), to understand a score, to know how to discriminate melodies, rhythms and instruments in a piece of music, to be sensitive to compose, etc.

It is one of the most artistic and creative intelligences, within Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

5. Kinetic-body intelligence

Kinetic-body intelligence is related to motor skills and psychomotor skills. That is, it encompasses the capacities related to knowing how to move in space, coordinating our movements with our actions or our desires, etc. It is especially noticeable in athletes and high performance athletes.

In addition, it allows the body to move fluently, be able to perform precise movements, etc.

6. Interpersonal intelligence

Interpersonal intelligence has to do with the ability to relate to others in a fluid and satisfactory way. It also implies the ability to establish contacts in a friendly way, to know how to start a conversation, how to relate, how to help others, etc.

That is, it has to do with oneself in relation to others.

7. Intrapersonal intelligence

The seventh intelligence of Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences is intrapersonal; Unlike the previous one, this one has more to do with oneself.

It encompasses the concepts of self-esteem, self-concept, etc.., and refers to the capacity we have to reinforce ourselves (or praise ourselves) when we have done something well, or when we need it, as well as the capacity we have to be good with ourselves.

This type of intelligence is also related to the “emotional intelligence”, Which years later Daniel Goleman would propose, and which refers to the ability to reflect on one's own emotions (recognize them, manage them, transform them ...), ability to empathize, to understand others, to adjust our emotions to the context, etc.

8. Naturalistic intelligence

Gardner's naturalistic intelligence refers to intelligence related to the environment and nature; that is, to that capacity that we have to be sensitive to nature, to know how to take care of it, to know how to appreciate its beauty and its benefits, not to pollute, to recycle, etc.

That is, it has to do with knowing how to treat nature, with valuing it and with taking actions that protect and care for it.

9. Existential intelligence

Existential intelligence refers to the ability we have to find meaning in our life, to what we do. That is, it would be the ability we have to answer the philosophical questions always posed throughout history: who are we? where we come from? Where are we going? In a more metaphorical sense, not so much a scientific sense.

That is, we can apply it in our own lives to find meaning in the things we do, and to find a goal (as well as aspirations) in life.

10. Spiritual intelligence

This intelligence, along with the following, is one of the last raised in Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. In other words, it was one of the last to be formulated / added, some time after the proposal of the multiple intelligences model.

It refers to a more mystical, more abstract intelligence; relates to the ability to have faith in something (be it a religion, an energy ...). In other words, it helps to "believe in something" beyond what we see. It is also related to achieving a sense of inner peace and well-being.

11. Moral intelligence

Finally, moral intelligence refers to the ability to discern what is right and what is wrong, from an ethical or moral point of view. In other words, it allows us to understand why an action can be considered "good" or "bad", and allows us to have values ​​and moral principles that guide our own action.

It is perhaps the most "philosophical" intelligence, which seeks to act meaningfully and fairly.

Beyond the 11 intelligences: contributions of H. Gardner

Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences raises the evaluation of these types of intelligence only when there is a good reason to do so; Furthermore, this evaluation should be carried out in a comfortable environment, with familiar materials and cultural roles.

Howard Gardner, furthermore, develops a curriculum and assessment program for preschool-age children: the so-called "Spectrum Project". Later, he develops another program: the so-called “Project Zero”, which has the objective of promoting learning, thinking and creativity in children.

On the other hand, Howard Gardner questions the importance of the famous "G Factor" of intelligence, as defended by other authors as the central element of intelligence. That is, he questions its explanatory importance outside of the formal schooling environment.

Finally, he argues that the origin of intelligence (rather, of "intelligences") is the interaction that occurs between genetic factors and environmental factors.

Bibliographic references

• Gardner, H. (1993). Multiple intelligences. The theory in practice. Barcelona: Paidós.

• Gardner, H. (1999). The reformulated intelligence. Multiple intelligences in the 21st century. Barcelona: Paidós.

• Triglia, Adrián; Regader, Bertrand; García-Allen, Jonathan (2018). What is intelligence? From IQ to multiple intelligences. EMSE Publishing.