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Abstract
This paper has attempted to explain Howard Gardners multiple intelligences theory, as
well as the implicationsof this theory and has given some insight as to how one could put this
theory into practice in a conventional classroom setting. It begins by providing a general
definition of the word intelligence and recognizes that standardized tests measure and define
intelligence as a socially constructed concept. In his book Frames of Mind: The Theory of
Multiple Intelligences, Gardner proposed the provocative idea that intelligence goes beyond logic
and verbal skills and suggests seven other facets of intelligence, though he believes there could
be hundreds. The paper gives a brief synopsis of the seven originally introduced intelligences of
linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal
as well as the two most recently introduced intelligences, naturalist and existential intelligence.

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Multiple Benefits for Multiple Intelligences
The general dictionary definition of intelligence is the ability to learn from experience,
solve problems, and use knowledge to adapt to new situations. (Merriam-Webber 2013) The
very definition of intelligence has been the subject of one of the most controversial questions in
psychology. That is, does each person have a general intellectual capacity that can be measured
and quantified as a number? Currently, the basis of academia depends on it. We utilize
standardized tests as well as other general forms of quantitative assessment to determine the
intellectual capacity of an individual in both schools and court systems. But are these forms of
analysis fair? Howard Gardner argues that intelligence is not limited simply to what
standardized tests assess; rather, intelligence depends on the context of culture and time. As a
result, Gardner identifies multiple intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical,
spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, naturalist and existential.
Howard Gardner and Intelligence
Howard Gardner is currently Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard
Graduate School of Education and adjunct professor of neurology at the Boston University
School of Medicine. Gardner, who is best known for his theory of multiple intelligences, is
perhaps one of the most familiar and influential names in the modern study of intelligence. With
his book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, in 1983, Gardner introduced a
provocative theory of intelligence which claimed that standard views of intelligence are flawed
and that human beings are better described as possessing 8 or more relatively autonomous
intellectual capacities termed the multiple intelligences (Winner, 2011) Before Gardners theory
on intelligence, most theorists like Charles Spearman (1963-1945) believed that people had one
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general intelligence that could be measured with an intelligence test and that could predict an
individuals success. Gardner was influenced by the works of Jean Piaget and Eric Erickson, the
latter of whom he worked with as an undergraduate. (Winner, 2011) Gardner gathered evidence
for his theory from studying people with diminished or exceptional abilities, including those
with savant syndrome, who often score low in intelligence tests but have an island of brilliance
(Myers, 2007) His theory also states that intelligence is the ability to create an effective
product or offer a service that is valued in a culture, a set of skills that make it possible for a
person to solve problems in life, and the potential for finding or creating solutions for problems,
which involves gathering new knowledge. (Gardner, 1999) Since these guidelines of
intelligence were proposed, many others have suggested other intelligences that fit the criteria.
The Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Gardner was clearly cognizant of the idea of intelligence as a socially constructed
concept and discussed intelligence as changing in the context of time and culture. His theory of
multiple intelligences was originally introduced as only seven different intelligences and has
evolved to nine. Gardner later stated in his book Multiple Intelligences: The Theory in Practice
that he made the deliberate decision to write about multiple intelligences to stress an unknown
number of separate human capacities. (Gardner, 1993) Gardner set forth criteria to determine
whether or not a trait could be considered an intelligence. He also stated that these
intelligences, linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal,
interpersonal, naturalist and existential were just as important as those measured in general IQ
tests. In fact, two were already being measured on intelligence tests, three are associated with
the arts and two are considered personal intelligences. (Gardner, 1999) Later, each
intelligence was given a common or shortened name.
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The first two intelligences are those that most standardized tests will assess and that are
viewed by most cultures as factors that determine intelligence. They are linguistic intelligence
and logical-mathematical intelligence. Linguistic intelligence is the capacity to use language to
express oneself as well as to understand others, whether rhetorically or poetically. Informally,
this type of intelligence is named word-smarts. Logical-mathematical intelligence refers to
the capacity to analyze problems logically, to work with numbers, amounts and mathematical/
logical processes. Informally, logical/mathematical intelligence is referred to as being logic
smart. These two intelligences are what most standardized test will test for to determine ones
intellectual capacity.
Gardner recognizes that there are some artistic intelligences as well, including,
musical/rhythmic intelligence. This is generally referred to as being music smart and includes
the ability to hear and recognize patterns in music. (Gardner, 1985) Gardner also does not
dismiss bodily/kinesthetic intelligence like many cultures do. He believes that ones capacity to
control their bodies (either as parts or as a whole) is a sort of intelligence and those who have
this capacity are considered body smart, including athletes, dancers and actors. (Gardner,
1985) Although spatial intelligence or picture smarts may seem to refer only to the arts in the
form of painting and sculpting, this type of intelligence also includes the practical ability of a
sailor or pilot to have the ability to navigate their world.
Social intelligence also meets the criteria set forth by Gardner to be considered an
intelligence. In this case, Gardner identifies both intrapersonal intelligence and interpersonal
intelligence as separate social intelligences. The former, intrapersonal intelligence refers to ones
understanding of oneself. That is, knowing ones strengths and limitations by being able to
accurately self-assess oneself in different situations. These people who are self-smart know
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what to avoid and what to pursue. The latter of the two social intelligences is interpersonal
intelligence or others-smart. These individuals are able to understand others so as to recognize
and predict their emotions and reactions. For people like teachers, salespeople and politicians
their success is directly related to their being others-smart.
Eventually, naturalist intelligence and existential intelligence became part of Gardners
multiple intelligence theory. Naturalistic intelligence is the ability to discriminate among living
things and was of important value in our evolutionary past as hunters, gatherers, and farmers and
today as botanists and chefs. (Gardner, 1985) Finally, existential intelligence is the ability to
ponder philosophically about existence and death. This intelligence was added as it met the
criteria of intelligence that falls under the potential for finding or creating solutions for
problemsor a set of skills that make it possible for a person to solve problems in life.
(Gardner, 1985) Since the introduction of Howard Gardners multiple intelligences theory, many
have proposed other intelligences that meet the criteria set forth by Gardner himself, including
spiritual intelligence, sexual intelligence, digital intelligence and even attention intelligence.
(Gardner, 2006)
Benefits of Using the Multiple Intelligences Theory
Howard Gardners theory was especially controversial because some believed it would
appear to sound a death knell for formal education. (Gardner, 1993) Quite the contrary,
because Gardners theory is neither a learning theory nor a curricular modelits
implementation varies depending on who is using it and in what context. (Success Point,
2012) As a result, the theory of multiple intelligences can be used to allow different ways of
teaching and different ways of reaching students who are not as responsive to conventional ways
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of learning. In this sense, it has empowered educators by suggesting what to do when traditional
ways of learning are not effective. Theorists such as Mindy L. Kornhaber, a researcher involved
in Harvards Project Zero project, believe that the theory validates educators everyday
experience [that] students think and learn in many different ways. (Kornhaber, 2001) In
Variations on a Theme: How Teachers Interpret MI Theory Linda Campbell describes five
approaches to curriculum change including lesson design, interdisciplinary units, student
projects, assessments, and apprenticeships. (Educational Leadership, 1997) Overall, Gardners
theory of multiple intelligences can have great implications within the classroom setting as it
underscores the basis of differentiation.
Conclusion
Howard Gardners theory of multiple intelligences has been a controversial theory since
its inception in 1985. By recognizing that there are several different dimensions to intelligence
that are equally as important as those that are tested and taught in general classroom settings,
Gardners theory has reconstructed the very definition of intelligence. As a result, educators and
learners have been able to tap into those other intelligences as a way to enhance their
understanding and their ways of learning. Also, academia as well as general society is less likely
to dismiss other forms of intelligence as supplemental to or linked to logical or verbal
intelligence. There are, in fact, multiple benefits to the idea of having multiple intelligences that
give way to a more accepting society that focuses on ones strengths rather than their
weaknesses.

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