In 1983, the American psychologist Howard Gardner presented the Theory of Multiple Intelligences in his book “Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences”. According to theory, there are 7 different types of intelligence, each with its own characteristics and equal in importance:
- logical-mathematical intelligence
- linguistic intelligence
- visual-spatial intelligence
- body-kinesthetic intelligence
- musical intelligence
- interpersonal intelligence
- intrapersonal intelligence
Later, the psychologist added two new modalities to the list: naturalistic intelligence and existential intelligence.
Among the conclusions of Gardner's theory, the main one is that no kind of intelligence is superior to another, and that each individual must identify their abilities and limitations in order to improve or supply them.
See below for a description of each of the types of intelligence.
1. logical-mathematical intelligence
Logical-mathematical intelligence concerns the ability to deal with mathematical operations and logical approaches. This type of intelligence implies good inductive and deductive skills that allow the individual to easily recognize patterns and trends.
Logical-mathematical intelligence involves sequential reasoning capable of perceiving relationships and connections between elements. For this reason, this intelligence is prevalent among mathematicians, researchers and scientists.
People with logical-mathematical intelligence usually acquire theoretical knowledge first, and then apply it to practical matters.
Logical-mathematical intelligence is the type of intelligence most valued by modern society, which often reduces the concept of intelligence to this genre.
An individual has high logical-mathematical intelligence when:
- has facility with numbers and quantification tasks, pattern recognition, mathematical operations and arithmetic problems;
- likes to experiment and conduct investigations in order to prove hypotheses;
- is drawn to strategy and logic games and challenges, as well as intelligence tests;
2. linguistic intelligence
Linguistic intelligence is associated with the ability to use words and language effectively. This involves the articulation of arguments and speeches in a clear and direct way, capable of conveying a message or achieving goals through speech.
People with linguistic intelligence can express complex ideas and concepts with ease. Therefore, this intelligence is easily observable in writers, poets, journalists, lecturers and other types of speakers, especially politicians.
Linguistic intelligence also implies the facility to understand the meaning of words and speeches, whether written or spoken.
An individual has high linguistic intelligence when:
- has a rich vocabulary and knows when and how to use words to get your message across or achieve your goal;
- likes to read a lot;
- can persuade or convince people easily;
- is easy to learn languages;
- are attracted to crosswords and other similar games.
3. visual-spatial intelligence
Visual-spatial intelligence is the ability to visualize and understand the world in three dimensions. This kind of intelligence is common among people with very active imaginations.
Visual-spatial intelligence involves:
spatial reasoning: ability to imagine things in three dimensions. Many people, when imagining something, think of the object only from one point of view. Spatial reasoning allows the individual to be able to mentally project things from various points of view. Spatial reasoning also allows one to imagine something correctly, albeit based on little information.
mental images: ability to faithfully imagine representations of the physical world, even if based on old memories.
Image manipulation: ability to clearly imagine the result of changes that may be carried out. Many people have a hard time imagining if something would look better with another color, size, shape, accessory, etc.
artistic skills: ability to create art from visual-spatial skills, such as sculptures and paintings.
Visual-spatial intelligence is very common in navigators, architects, sculptors, painters, designers, pilots, etc.
An individual has high visual-spatial intelligence when:
- likes to draw, paint or work with images;
- has high spatial awareness, navigation skills and sense of direction;
- enjoy games and activities involving puzzles and mazes;
- tends to daydream frequently.
4. body-kinesthetic intelligence
The bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is related to the efficient use of the body. It usually manifests itself in the form of motor coordination, hand-eye coordination and pedal coordination, and mind-body coordination.
People with high body-kinesthetic intelligence tend to have goals related to the body, touch and movement, and often enjoy physical activity. Due to the high coordination between mind and body, individuals with this type of intelligence are interested in activities that require improvement and timing.
Body-kinesthetic intelligence is very common in athletes, artisans, dancers, acrobats and surgeons.
An individual has high body-kinesthetic intelligence when:
- has high body awareness, recognizing their physical capabilities and limitations;
- has manual skills and an interest in building things;
- has good body language;
- have good timing for activities and physical tasks.
5. musical intelligence
Musical intelligence is the ability to understand and identify tones, timbres, rhythms and other elements related to sound.
Musical intelligence allows the individual to easily create, reproduce and recognize sound elements, in addition to noticing sounds that other people would not notice.
Musical intelligence is very common in musicians, composers, singers, conductors, DJ's, etc.
An individual has high musical intelligence when:
- is sensitive to sounds in general;
- can discern tones, timbres and rhythms;
- enjoy music and like to compose, sing or play;
6. interpersonal intelligence
Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact with other people effectively.
Interpersonal intelligence involves attentiveness and sensitivity to noticing other people's moods, feelings, and temperament, as well as being able to understand others. This type of intelligence also implies the easiness of making oneself understood in front of others.
Interpersonal intelligence is very common in teachers, politicians, actors, salespeople, social workers, etc.
An individual has high interpersonal intelligence when:
- has leadership aptitude;
- is sensitive to the moods and feelings of others;
- has a large number of friends;
- it is easy to analyze issues from different points of view;
- can easily understand people, including their subtle tendencies and characteristics.
7. intrapersonal intelligence
Intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to know yourself, respecting your own feelings, desires, limitations and motivations.
Intrapersonal intelligence consists of self-knowledge capable of redirecting life plans. This also implies an appreciation and respect for the human condition.
Intrapersonal intelligence is very common in psychologists, spiritual leaders and philosophers.
An individual has high intrapersonal intelligence when:
- has great willpower and independence;
- have a strong awareness of their feelings and act accordingly;
- appreciates existential reflections and constantly seeks self-knowledge;
- tends to be shy, introverted or have few friends.
8. naturalistic intelligence
Naturalistic intelligence is the facility to understand nature and its elements, whether living or non-living. This includes the compression of animals, plants, rain, sea, land, etc.
Naturalistic intelligence has great relevance in the evolution of man, considering that the notions of hunting, planting and harvesting were essential for the survival of the species.
Gardner proposed naturalistic intelligence in 1995, that is, 12 years after the introduction of the original seven types of intelligence.
Naturalistic intelligence is very common in botanists, biologists, farmers, rangers, hunters, etc.
An individual has high naturalistic intelligence when:
- is easy to deal with animals;
- has a taste for nature;
- has interest and ability to understand natural phenomena such as rain, winds, snow, etc.
9. existential intelligence
Proposed by Gardner in 1999, existential intelligence is the ability to understand deep issues related to existence, the meaning of life and spiritual issues. This type of existence manifests itself through a strong interest in seeking answers on this type of subject.
Existential intelligence is very common in spiritual leaders, theologians and philosophers.
An individual has high existential intelligence when:
- has a strong interest in issues related to existence, such as death, the universe, the origin of life, etc;
See too:
- IQ
- Intelligence
- Emotional intelligence
- Artificial intelligence
