The 9 Types of Intelligence According to Howard Gardner
“There are numerous theories and classifications of intelligence. According to Howard Gardner, there are 9 kinds of intelligences. In his book titled ‘Multiple Intelligences,’ the American developmental psychologist discusses the existence of several forms of intelligence: verbal-linguistic intelligence, spatial intelligence, musical-rhythmic intelligence, logical-mathematical intelligence, as well as interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence.”
Howard Gardner is considered the pioneer of multiple intelligences. According to this American psychologist, there are 9 types of intelligence that are more or less acquired by human beings.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence:
Those who possess this type of intelligence are capable of measuring, calculating, and displaying logic. They can solve scientific and mathematical problems and have a tendency to categorize things, whether they be human beings, objects, or concepts. People with logical-mathematical intelligence often enjoy numbers, puzzles, and brain teasers. They are skilled at studying the causes and consequences of a situation, action, or phenomenon.
Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence:
This form of intelligence is the ability to manipulate words and express ideas easily, even if they are complex. Verbal-linguistic intelligence is found in individuals who handle language both in writing and speech, such as writers or lawyers. Like logical-mathematical intelligence, linguistic intelligence is highly emphasized in schools and is cultivated. Both types can be measured through an IQ test.
Intrapersonal Intelligence:
It refers to introspection, where an individual observes their own consciousness and inner life. Intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to decipher one’s personal feelings and remain open to one’s desires and needs. With this form of intelligence, one can form a representation of oneself and better manage one’s life. Individuals developing intrapersonal intelligence are sometimes described as introverted or self-centered by their surroundings.
Interpersonal Intelligence or Emotional Quotient (EQ):
With genuine empathy, this form of intelligence offers a true understanding of others. EQ allows for grasping nuances of temperament, character, and relationships between two individuals. Moreover, this type of intelligence can help resolve conflicts between people. Interpersonal intelligence is often found in salespeople or teachers.
Visuo-Spatial Intelligence:
It enables a person to create a spatial representation of the world around them. Visuo-spatial intelligence allows for designing handicrafts and artwork, thinking in images, or arranging furniture. Cameramen, photographers, painters, and architects develop this form of intelligence the most.
Musical-Rhythmic Intelligence:
It involves the ability to think in melodies and rhythms. Also known as “having a good ear,” musical-rhythmic intelligence allows for detecting musical patterns and interpreting them. Someone with this intelligence can also create musical patterns. This type of intelligence is found in the greatest musicians of all time, such as Beethoven or Mozart.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence:
It is the ability to use one’s body to express emotion, ideas, or perform physical activities. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is found in dancers, artisans, elite athletes, or surgeons. It enables a basketball player, for example, to calculate the force, height, and trajectory of a shot.
Existential or Spiritual Intelligence:
This type of intelligence is defined by the ability to question the meaning and origin of things. Most of the time, philosophers and mathematicians possess this type of intelligence the most. Moreover, individuals cultivating this kind of intelligence are often attracted to the infinitely small or infinitely large. As a result, they feel the need to seek, discover, and fulfill the purpose of their life.
Naturalist-Ecological Intelligence:
It allows human beings to discriminate, recognize, and classify their knowledge about minerals, the natural environment, or plants. Naturalist intelligence is typically found in archaeologists, botanists, or zoologists. Individuals with this type of intelligence perceive animals and plants as distinct beings and thus have a deep respect for them.
Finally, note that these 9 types of intelligences are all complementary and indispensable to one another. Therefore, one should not judge a person based on their aptitude to develop in a particular area. Indeed, someone may be weak in one domain but prove to be a great specialist in another. Each human being possesses a bit of these forms of intelligence…
