Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligences: A Complete Guide

Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory gained popularity among the general population due to its assertion that everyone is intelligent in some way, be it in math, music, sports, communication, or even introspection.

However, psychologists aren’t quite as convinced of this theory’s validity, claiming that there's not much scientific evidence to back it up.

To help you form an opinion on this topic, we will review Gardner’s theory and all nine of his intelligences, as well as delve into some of its criticisms and shortcomings.

So, let’s dive in.

Key Takeaways

• Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory claims there are nine types of intelligence instead of a single one.
• Nine intelligences include visual-spatial, logical-mathematical, linguistic, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, intrapersonal, interpersonal, naturalistic, and existential intelligence.
• Nine intelligences stress the importance of using a variety of approaches in teaching to cater to various learning styles.
• Since there is no multiple intelligences test or any way to empirically prove Gardner’s theory, many psychologists remain skeptical and stick to the general intelligence theory.

Understanding the Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligences Theory

Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory posits that there is no single, general intelligence as it was traditionally believed. Instead, there are different types of intelligence, and every person scores high in at least one.

Gardner introduced the first seven intelligence types in his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Later, when he reviewed his work, he introduced the final two types.

Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences include the following:

• Visual-spatial intelligence
• Logical-mathematical intelligence
• Verbal-linguistic intelligence
• Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
• Musical intelligence
• Intrapersonal intelligence
• Interpersonal intelligence
• Naturalistic intelligence
• Existential intelligence

According to Gardner, everyone possesses all nine of these intelligences to a greater or lesser extent. However, we exhibit traits and excel at careers related to the intelligence types in which we score the highest.

So, even if a child struggles in school, that doesn’t mean they’re not intelligent. It only means that they don’t excel at logical-mathematical or linguistic intelligence—the two that are most associated with academic success.

Instead, the child may be intelligent in other areas, such as music, sports, or social interaction.

A Thorough Guide to 9 Multiple Intelligences

Let us introduce you to the nine intelligences at the core of Gardner’s theory, along with the traits they’re characterized by, suitable careers, and famous people who possess them.

#1. Visual-Spatial Intelligence

Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligences - Visual-Spatial

Visual-spatial intelligence is the ability to perceive and process information from the physical world and accurately picture 2D images and 3D objects without outside stimuli.

Considering how important visual perception is in our day-to-day lives, spatial intelligence is perhaps the most crucial of all intelligence types.

People with high spatial intelligence usually have the following characteristics:

• Artistic tendencies
• Interest in architecture
• Good sense of direction
• Ability to easily recognize patterns
• Superb awareness of their surroundings
• Ability to visualize objects from various angles and perspectives
• Skill in solving visual puzzles, such as Rubik’s cube and jigsaw puzzles

Usually, people with high spatial intelligence thrive as artists, engineers, architects, photographers, cartographers, inventors, and landscape artists. Ultimately, any career that allows them to work with visual elements and physical environments is an excellent choice.

Famous people with high spatial intelligence: Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Alfred Hitchcock, Gustave Eiffel, and Vincent van Gogh.

#2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

Logical-mathematical intelligence is the closest to what we consider to be general intelligence, as it refers to our ability to solve problems, process numbers, recognize patterns, and grasp abstract concepts.

In addition, logical-mathematical intelligence helps us use deductive reasoning and think logically. As such, it’s one of the only two Gardner’s intelligences that can be measured on an IQ test.

Here are some of the traits found in people with high logical-mathematical intelligence:

• A developed problem-solving ability
• Love for numbers, puzzles, and chess
• Preference for structure and accuracy
• Developed deductive reasoning and critical thinking
• Love for hard sciences, such as math, physics, chemistry, or engineering

People with high logical-mathematical intelligence frequently become mathematicians, engineers, chemists, architects, or programmers. However, they also thrive as detectives, where they can show off their superb deductive skills.

Famous people with high logical-mathematical intelligence: Stephen Hawking, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Johannes Kepler.

#3. Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence

Along with logical-mathematical intelligence, verbal-linguistic intelligence is the only other type actually measured on a standardized IQ test. Because of that, there’s less controversy about whether or not it should be considered an intelligence type.

Linguistic intelligence entails the ability to effectively express yourself in written and verbal form, as well as to quickly grasp linguistic rules both in native and foreign languages.

Typically, linguistic intelligence is characterized by the following:

• Love for grammar and wordplay
• Superb debating and public speaking skills
• Good storytellers who use humor effectively
• Love for reading, writing, and learning languages
• Excellent at teaching and explaining various concepts

Taking all this into account, people with high linguistic intelligence usually pursue careers in writing, editing, or translating. However, thanks to their verbal skills, they also make great lawyers and politicians.

Famous people with high linguistic intelligence: William Shakespeare, Martin Luther King, T. S. Elliot, Edgar Allan Poe, J. K. Rowling, and Abraham Lincoln.

#4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is the ability to master various physical skills, control our body’s movements, handle objects with dexterity, and express ourselves through body language, sports, or dance.

Since this intelligence type focuses on the body and not the mind, it’s one of the least explored types of intelligence. Yet, if you take a look at professional athletes or dancers, it becomes clear that it is very real.

Here are some characteristics of people with high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:

• Fast reflexes
• Great sense of rhythm
• Excellent coordination and balance
• Love for acting, miming, and roleplaying
• Passion for sports, dance, and other types of bodily expression

People with high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence usually become excellent dancers, athletes, and actors. Those who like to keep away from the spotlight might prefer to be firefighters, carpenters, PE teachers, or mechanics.

Famous people with high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence: Michael Jordan, Jim Carrey, Charlie Chaplin, Bruce Lee, Park Jimin, and Novak Djokovic.

#5. Musical Intelligence

Musical notes in a music book

Musical intelligence includes the ability to produce and appreciate music, as well as to stay in rhythm and in key, express yourself lyrically, and understand melody, timbre, pitch, and tone.

Since musical intelligence has certain similarities to musical talent, psychologists are divided on whether they should truly consider it an intelligence type.

However, Gardner differentiates between the two by claiming musical intelligence is broader and something everyone possesses, unlike talent, which is more exclusive.

People with high musical intelligence usually have the following characteristics:

• Thinking in lyrics and songs
• Dabbling in different music genres
• Consistently on the lookout for new music
• Playing one or more musical instruments
• Interest in various aspects of music, its production and creation

Musically inclined people pursue careers as singers, songwriters, music teachers, composers, producers, and audio engineers. That way, they surround themselves with music at all times.

Famous people with high musical intelligence: Paul McCartney, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Michael Jackson, Sarah Chang, and Ludwig van Beethoven.

#6. Intrapersonal Intelligence

Intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to understand yourself and your own feelings and needs, as well as prioritize your goals regardless of societal expectations.

However, that doesn’t mean people with high intrapersonal intelligence are self-absorbed. They are simply aware that they must first know themselves before attempting to understand the world, so they spend much time on introspection and reflection.

High interpersonal intelligence is characterized by the following traits:

• Introversion
• Developed intuition
• Confidence and independence
• Self-awareness and introspection
• Willingness to take calculated risks

Generally speaking, people with high intrapersonal intelligence can thrive in any career they choose. However, they’re particularly well suited to be writers, philosophers, spiritual leaders, therapists, entrepreneurs, and researchers.

Famous people with high intrapersonal intelligence: Martin Luther King, Anne Frank, Dalai Lama, Sigmund Freud, and Anne Sullivan.

#7. Interpersonal Intelligence

Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligences - Interpersonal

While intrapersonal intelligence is oriented inwardly, interpersonal intelligence is exactly the opposite—it’s the ability to effectively communicate with others, empathize with them, and understand their needs and motivations.

People with high interpersonal intelligence are usually happy to meet new people and enjoy surrounding themselves with many friends. In addition, they make excellent friends themselves, always striving to understand others and build deep bonds.

Here are some traits that can be found in people with high interpersonal intelligence:

• Good active listening skills
• Approachable and personable
• Sensitivity to temperaments and moods
• Developed empathy and communication skills
• Excellent conflict management and leadership skills

People with high interpersonal intelligence thrive in careers that require communicating with many different people. As a result, they often become politicians, CEOs, actors, teachers, talk show hosts, psychologists, and salespeople.

Famous people with high interpersonal intelligence: Oprah Winfrey, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Plato.

#8. Naturalistic Intelligence

Naturalistic intelligence allows you to observe, identify, and classify natural elements and connect to nature on a deeper level.

Unlike the previous seven of Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences, naturalistic intelligence was first introduced in 1999, when Gardner reevaluated his work in the book Intelligence Reframed. Despite its late introduction, naturalistic intelligence is just as crucial as the first seven.

The following traits are usually found in people with high naturalistic intelligence:

• Interest in natural sciences
• Excellent observation skills
• Ability to identify different species
• Love for animals and the outdoors
• Taking up nature-related hobbies such as gardening

Unsurprisingly, people with high naturalistic intelligence are particularly successful in careers that put them in direct contact with nature, so they usually make great zookeepers, park rangers, veterinarians, biologists, and botanists.

Famous people with high naturalistic intelligence: Steve Irwin, Carl Sagan, Charles Darwin, Al Gore, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Lewis and Clark.

#9. Existential Intelligence

The final of the nine intelligence types, existential intelligence, is the most controversial since Gardner only mentioned it in Intelligence Reframed and wasn’t entirely sure whether it should be included with the other eight.

Still, he explained it as the ability to contemplate philosophical topics, raise questions about humanity’s purpose and existence, ponder ethics and morality, and wonder about the universe.

People with high existential intelligence usually possess the following traits:

• Curiosity
• Big-picture thinking
• Challenging the status quo
• Highly developed intuition
• Love for philosophy and intellectual debates

High existential intelligence shines through in careers related to philosophy, theology, and spirituality. Usually, people who possess it make excellent pastors, yoga instructors, philosophers, meditation instructors, psychologists, and anthropologists.

Famous people with high existential intelligence: Buddha, Jesus Christ, Socrates, and Saint Augustine.

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences Theory and Education

Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligences Theory and Education

Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences carry significant implications for education and teaching and emphasize the importance of catering to various learning styles.

For instance, children with high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence would benefit from an active, hands-on approach such as TPR in language and vocabulary learning.

On the other hand, students with high interpersonal intelligence learn best in groups and through interaction and communication with their peers and teachers.

Each intelligence type comes with a specific learning style that should be used to maximize knowledge acquisition. But that’s only possible if teachers and educators know their students’ inclinations and are trained to cater to multiple intelligences in the classroom.

The Criticism of Howard Gardner’s Theory

Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory was met with some criticism, particularly from the proponents of general intelligence theory. The detractors’ main complaints are a lack of empirical evidence and the vagueness of Gardner’s definition of intelligence.

Lack of Empirical Evidence

So far, no accurate tests measuring Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences have been developed. Gardner himself has stated that such a test would be desirable, but he hasn’t been able to come up with one yet.

As a result, there is no tangible scientific evidence that can prove the validity of the multiple intelligences theory. Instead, Gardner mainly relies on his general feel and criteria, which can be loosely interpreted. And when developing a scientific theory, that’s simply not rigorous enough.

The Definition of Intelligence Is Too Broad

Critics of Gardner’s theory agree that his definition of intelligence is too broad to be useful. In fact, his intelligences often delve into the domain of talents and aptitudes, which, according to psychologists, need to be viewed as distinct.

Musical intelligence and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence have been particularly criticized for this, as they come dangerously close to musical talent and aptitude for sports.

Similarly, naturalistic and existential intelligence may simply be considered interests—some people are more curious about the natural world or more inclined to enjoy philosophy than others. Gardner’s critics claim that these are not types of intelligence but preferences.

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Final Thoughts

Despite the criticism, Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences theory is still quite popular in the general population, which intuitively feels there is some truth to it.

What’s more, its implications for education can’t be dismissed—there’s no doubt that incorporating innovative teaching methods that cater to different learning styles and intelligences benefits students and improves their chances of academic success.