Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Gardner’s theory capitalizes on the belief that cognitively, all individuals differ in their intelligences and the ways that they are expressed. Intelligence is best described, “in terms of a set of abilities, talents, or mental skills” (Gardner, 1993, p. 15). Gardner asserts that all individuals possess each of these skills and abilities to a certain extent but individuals vary in the degree of skill they have and the combination of abilities (Gardner, 1993). In Gardner’s definition, intelligence, “entails the ability to solve problems or fashion products that are of consequence in a particular cultural setting or community” (Gardner, 1993, p. 15). Gardner’s list of intelligences is derived from biology and valued in cultural settings and identified from evidence from several different sources, like information about cognitive skills under conditions of brain damage and studies of exceptional populations (Gardner, 1993).
Gardner’s seven, now nine, intelligences are broken out into short descriptions to better profile each intelligence; however Gardner asserts that the intelligences operate in isolation. The intelligences will constantly work together, molding together with one or many in the lives of unique individuals.