Howard Gardner's Theory of Intelligence

Howard Gardner is an American developmental psychologist, he thinks that the conventional definitions of intelligence are too narrow. He admits that a general aspect of intelligence exists but does not believe it's' efficacy in explaining an individual's performance in a particular situation. According to his view people have eight different abilities, also known as multiple intelligences. He introduced the eight intelligences in 1983. Linguistic intelligence is the ability of an individual to use language successfully. Which means to use it in a convincing arguments such as an influential speaker, writer, and identifying meanings in words. The second ability is the logical-mathematical intelligence, this is the ability to reason rationally in science and mathematics.

This ability causes to solve mathematical problems, generate mathematical proofs and plan and test hypotheses about observable fact. The third ability is the spatial intelligence, it is the ability to become aware of details in what we observe and operate visual objects in our imagination. An example of this ability is drawing a visual image of an object and finding small differences between similar things. The fourth intelligence is the musical ability to create, understand and appreciate music. This includes playing musical instrument, composing a musical work. The fifth ability is the bodily kinesthetic intelligence, the ability to use one's body proficiently. Some example of this ability is dancing, playing sports and aerobics. The sixth ability is the interpersonal intelligence, the ability to become aware of slight aspects of other people's actions. Examples are, properly understanding other's mood and detecting causal intentions and desires.

Also, using this knowledge acquired from others to influence their thoughts and actions. The seventh ability is called the intrapersonal intelligence, it is the attentiveness of our own feelings, purpose and wishes. This includes being aware of one's own emotions such as happiness, sadness and regret. This ability also includes using of self-understanding to relate more efficiently with others. The eighth ability is the naturalist intelligence, the ability to identify patterns in natural world and distinguishing factors among natural substance and life-forms, how an individual bond and adjust to their natural environment. An example of naturalist intelligence is the ability to recognize different plant or animal species, understanding natural forms such as mountains, rivers, rocks.

The differences between Piaget and Gardner's theory is that Piaget emphasizes the mental processes that occur rather than measuring actual intellectual abilities. He uses four areas to define intelligence, sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational and formal operational. Gardner uses eight types of Intelligence. Piaget puts more emphasis on the biological approach or biological adaptation, his focus is on the physical and mental aspects of the body. According to Piaget, a child must move through these stages during their childhood to master specific set of criteria in each stage. I think Gardner's theory of intelligences make sense if I think about the intelligences all children have. Some are better at these abilities than others but I believe, separating these abilities to put into the categories of different intelligence is wise. I agree with his idea of people having eight different abilities.