The Types of Multiple Intelligence
Howard Gardner’s theory proposed that there are multiple ways in which an individual can be considered smart, and that it’s just a case of understanding which intelligence fits you best. Through school, and life in general, we have all got our hobbies, our interests, and the things that we are naturally good at, and this is what the theory wants us to pick up on. In school, academic students may have been put on a pedestal of intelligence, and seen as the ideal student. However, whilst being academically intelligent is a good thing, other intelligences are also positive, but they’ve never really been seen in the same light, and as a result, not as seen as intelligence, potentially resulting in a false narrative of certain people not being smart. The theory proposes that each of us will fit into a specific category, and some people might fit into multiple, but what the theory doesn’t do, is tell us that because we are not good at one thing, then we are not good at anything. So, what are these categories? There’s nine of them and they are Naturalist, Musical, Logical-Mathematical, Existential, Interpersonal, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Linguistic, Intra-Personal and Spatial. So, what do these mean?
NATURALIST – The Naturalist Intelligence category refers to the ability to identify key components of the living world. In time, this has been a clear and obvious intelligence, as we as a species have relied heavily on it in the past. Farmers, hunters and gatherers, all relied and still rely on naturalist intelligence in order to survive, however in the modern world, geographers, archaeologists, biologists and chefs are all people who still rely on naturalist intelligence within their livelihood. Certain products like cars and clothes can also exploit naturalist intelligence for their own benefit, I.e., a clothes company that know that it’s cold in Norway, might make a coat specifically designed to sell in Norway that keeps the consumers warm.
MUSICAL – As the name might suggest, musical intelligence refers to one’s ability to recognise, analyse and breakdown sounds, as well as pitch, rhythm and tone. This intelligence can be replicated and demonstrated with conductors, musicians and producers. People who are musically intelligent are often aware of sounds people may miss, as well as the connotations that certain sounds can have with specific emotions and relationships. This is why sometimes musical intelligence shares similar thought processes to logical intelligence, as they are both linked with an interest in understanding relationships.
LOGICAL-MATHEMATICAL – Once again, the category, logical-mathematical intelligence is fairly self-explanatory. Possessing this intelligence means that you are better suited to statistics, patterns, and propositions. As mentioned, a moment ago, relationships also play a big role in this type of intelligence. Professions within the mathematics and scientific industries tend to require good levels of logical-mathematical intelligence, and people will often be drawn to activities like problem solving, strategy games and puzzles.
EXISTENTIAL – Existential intelligence refers to the ability to tackle the big questions about life, an indicator as to why it is known as being life-smart. The questions that people who possess this type of intelligence might have to do with the meaning of life and what happens when we die.
INTERPERSONAL – The main relationship intelligence is interpersonal intelligence. Having interpersonal intelligence means that you are able to effectively interact and communicate with others, as well as being able to differentiate between moods, perspectives and beliefs. Most people who possess this type of intelligence also possess good leadership qualities, as they are able to communicate their ideas and thoughts as well as converse and assure people of any worries they might have. Teachers, politicians, and social workers all show signs of interpersonal intelligence as their livelihoods rely on their ability to maintain and create relationships that benefit themselves and others.
BODILY-KINESTHETIC – To have the ability and capacity to move yourself and objects in a certain manner exhibits your bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. To have this intelligence traits like timing, body-coordination and spatial awareness are needed. An example of someone showing bodily-kinesthetic intelligence would be an athlete. Dancers and crafts workers, like blacksmiths or woodworkers, also show good bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, however, not all professions that use this intelligence are as physically demanding. Surgeons and jewelers also show good bodily-kinesthetic intelligence as they have to be precise, extremely careful and patient, three traits that someone who is clumsy or short-tempered wouldn’t be able to do.
LINGUISTIC – Using words and language to express yourself clearly shows a good understanding and application of linguistic intelligence. Linguistic intelligence is the most common intelligence, and allows us to interpret and reflect on language, as well as manage and dissect complex meanings, as well as the words themselves. Writers in every medium including novelists, screenwriters, poets and journalists all show linguistic intelligence as well as public speakers, and debaters. Usually, people who have this intelligence can be found enjoying stories, writing themselves or maybe even doing a crossword puzzle.
INTRAPERSONAL – Intrapersonal intelligence can be found in people who are very self-aware, self-motivated and able to appreciate their condition. People with intra-personal intelligence are able to understand themselves, as well as their thoughts and feelings in a rational way. People and professions that highlight their own intra-personal intelligence are philosophers, psychologists, or very spiritual people. Intra-personal people can be shy and reserved as they are aware of what their actions and words could potentially cause if taken in the wrong way.
SPATIAL – The spatial intelligence category is reserved for people who are able to process and interpret the world in three dimensions. Spatial intelligence is often linked with being artistic, possessing good ability to create mental images, being able to manipulate a space, and having an active, potentially unique imagination. Painters, sculptors, architects, navigators like pilots and sailors all possess good spatial intelligence.
So, you see, just because you’re not very good at math doesn’t mean that you’re not smart, it just means you possess a different type of intelligence. One of the most beneficial aspects to come from this theory besides challenging the idea that being academic is the only true intelligence, is that it can also offer possibilities for potential livelihoods and careers.