Examining Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory
Howard Gardner, an expert in education and developmental psychology at Harvard University and co director of the Harvard's Project Zero, first published his theory of multiple intelligences in Frames of Mind in 1983. Multiple intelligences theory or MI theory states that humans do not have one general intelligence measured by typical psychometric tests, but multiple intelligences with different skill sets. The traditional primary definition of intelligence, as listed in The American Heritage Dictionary, third edition, is the capacity to acquire and apply knowledge; the faculty of thought and reason. Based on this definition of intelligence, I do not feel that Gardner's theory is valid. I do believe these intelligences exist as different skill sets but not that they are autonomous enough to acquire the importance of separate intelligences. While Gardner feels this is merely political and that he is free to redefine intelligence, many in the academic community do not agree and do not support his theory. Many educators, however, feel differently and have embraced the theory to create educational philosophies and applications.
II. Definition of Multiple Intelligence Theory
C. Definition of Each Eight Intelligences
2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
9. Ninth possible intelligence: Existentialist Intelligence
III. Skill sets versus Intelligences
2. Academic Measurement and Performance
B. Politics of definition (James Traub)
B. Psychology, Public Policy, and Law
C. Steven Cici (neurological data quote)
A. Gardner's theory somewhat mirrors skill set when applied
B. Restate disagreement with Multiple Intelligences Theory
Examining Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory
Howard Gardner, an expert in education and developmental psychology at Harvard University and co-director of the Harvard's Project Zero, first published his Theory of Multiple I...