9 Types of Intelligence
That
is what school beat into us by putting certain types of intelligence on a
pedestal and ignoring other types. 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.
·
Naturalist (nature smart)
·
Musical (sound smart)
·
Logical-mathematical (number/reasoning smart)
·
Existential (life smart)
·
Interpersonal (people smart)
·
Bodily-kinaesthetic (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
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-Kinaesthetic Intelligence
Bodily kinaesthetic 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 kinaesthetic
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.
Written by : Jayanta Kumar Meher (BSc, BEd)
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