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9 Types of Intelligence

The document discusses Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences from 1983. Gardner proposed that there are 9 different types of intelligence beyond just logical-mathematical intelligence, including musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and more. The document then provides an overview of each of the 9 types of intelligence identified in Gardner's theory.

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205 views3 pages

9 Types of Intelligence

The document discusses Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences from 1983. Gardner proposed that there are 9 different types of intelligence beyond just logical-mathematical intelligence, including musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and more. The document then provides an overview of each of the 9 types of intelligence identified in Gardner's theory.

Uploaded by

saikumar sela
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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If you are not good at math or language, you might still be gifted at other things but it was

not called “intelligence”. Why?

In 1983 an American developmental psychologist Howard Gardener described 9 types of


intelligence [1]:
 

 Naturalist (nature smart)
 Musical (sound smart)
 Logical-mathematical (number/reasoning smart)
 Existential (life smart)
 Interpersonal (people smart)
 Bodily-kinesthetic (body smart)
 Linguistic (word smart)
 Intra-personal (self smart)
 Spatial (picture smart)
What other scientists thought were just soft-skills, such as interpersonal skills, Gardener
realized were types of intelligence. It makes sense. Just as being a math whiz gives you the
ability to understand the world, so does being “people smart” give you the same ability, just
from a different perspective. Not knowing math you may not calculate the rate at which the
universe is expanding, but you are likely to have the skills to find the right person who will.

The 9 Types of Intelligence


Here is an overview of the multiple intelligences theory, summarized by ASCD [2]: 

1. Naturalist Intelligence
Naturalist intelligence 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 makeup, and the like.

2. Musical Intelligence
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, vocalist, and sensitive listeners.
Interestingly, there is often an affective connection between music and the emotions; and
mathematical and musical intelligences may share common thinking processes. Young
adults with this kind of intelligence are usually singing or drumming to themselves. They are
usually quite aware of sounds others may miss.

3. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to calculate, quantify, consider propositions
and hypotheses, and carry out complete 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.

4. Existential Intelligence
Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the
meaning of life, why we die, and how did we get here.
 

5. Interpersonal Intelligence
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 moods 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.

6. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
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 crafts people exhibit well-
developed bodily kinesthetic intelligence.

7. Linguistic Intelligence
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 meta-linguistic 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.

8. Intra-personal Intelligence
Intra-personal intelligence is the capacity to understand oneself and one’s thoughts and
feelings, and to use such knowledge in planning and directioning one’s life. Intra-personal
intelligence involves not only an appreciation of the self, but also of the human condition. It
is evident in psychologist, spiritual leaders, and philosophers. These young adults may be
shy. They are very aware of their own feelings and are self-motivated.

9. Spatial Intelligence
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.

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