Transcript By: Tim Wei MY 8 Block: G

By: Tim Wei
MY AS 8
Block: G
Jan. 20, 2004
What Is Multiple Intelligences ?
Multiple intelligences was a theory developed by Dr.
Howard Gardner in 1983. Dr. Gardner suggests that the
traditional way of measuring intelligence was too limited.
Such as basing intelligence on IQ testing. So he proposed 8
different kinds of intelligences to broaden the range of
human potentials:
The New Intelligences
1. Linguistic intelligence (“word smart”)
2. Logical-mathematical intelligence (“numbering/reasoning
smart”)
3. Spatial intelligence (“picture smart”)
4. Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence (“body smart”)
5. Musical intelligence (“music smart”)
6. Interpersonal intelligence (“people smart”)
7. Intrapersonal intelligence (“self smart”)
8. Naturalist intelligence (“nature smart”)
Different views of Intelligence
In the past, different people with different backgrounds believe in
different qualities as proof of intelligence. For example, the ancient
Greeks valued people who have good physical agility, good judgment,
and courageous behaviors. The Romans valued courage, and as for
followers of Islam, they prized the holy soldier almost like God. The
Chinese traditionally adored people who were skilled in poetry, music,
calligraphy, and archery. Finally, Pueblo Indians valued people who
cared for others. As you can see, different people and their cultures
have different views about intelligence. Even though some of the
qualities may seem so common right now, it was hard to find people
with “intelligence” in the ancient and dangerous world. Possibly
because of the exploring and conquering of the empires killed off
many of the “intelligent” people, you never know.
To Understand Intelligence
In the late 19th century, the concept of people “recognizing”
intelligence has changed. Francis Galton, one of the founders of
modern psychological (“intelligence”) measurement, believed that
intelligence can be measured. So at around 1870, he began to use
formal tests of intelligence. He also believed that intelligent people
have greater sensory acuity, or in other words, have very good
senses (touch, smell, see, hear, and taste). Unfortunately, it didn’t go
as planned, because Francis Galton, who he thought himself as an
intelligent person, didn’t do well on the test.
The Measure of Intelligence
Later on in 1912, a German psychologist, Wilhelm Stern came
up with the name and measure of Intelligence Quotient, or IQ.
With this new way of testing intelligence, many countries soon
adapted it as well. Amazingly, though, over the next few decades
the concept of Intelligence Quotient didn’t advance much. As time
goes on, some people had questions about intelligence, and these
are actually the key questions of intelligence:
1. Is intelligence singular or are there various ones?
(this was what Dr. Gardner has trying to figure out
over the past 20 years)
The Measure of Intelligence
(continued)
2. Is intelligence (or are intelligences) family
inherited (is being passed down generation to
generation?)
3. Are intelligence tests biased (with questions that
can only be known by a certain class of people
such as rich people?)
Is There Moral Intelligence?
Over the years, another question arose: is there moral
(emotional and spiritual intelligence)? This might be true, but moral
intelligence seems to go beyond the realm of intelligence. But there
are many concepts about it. For example, babies at the age of two,
has developed a sense of right and wrong and that seems to be with
us for the rest of our lives. Other people argued that it just fits nicely
into the 6th intelligence category (interpersonal intelligence
{“people smart”}). But it is just a concept, it might come true and it
might not. One way to find out is to wait and see as more reliable
theories are being created, or if you want, go and research on your
own, be the person who comes up with the theories. It is your
choice.
Is Our Point of View Incorrect?
Because the intelligence quality of the past seems to be focusing
mainly on linguistic intelligence and logical-mathematical
intelligence, not many people even cared about children or adults
who were good at art, physical skills, musical skills, and even good
at designing new things. Some of these children at school were
even labeled “learning disabled” or ADD (attention deficit disorder
or just underachievers{in a more classical way: stupid, defected
person.}). It is actually a real cruel thing to do. Just because people
have gifts on sides that does not associate with school teachings,
doesn’t mean they are not intelligent! Now many schools have
changed their rules and what they teach, making people gifted on
other items, rather than just words and mathematical smart, easier
at school.
Summary
From this project, I have gained many knowledge about one of
human’s most important organ: the brain (after all, you even need to think
with it and some people even say that the brain is you!). During the
research on my topic: multiple intelligences, I have seen many historical
people arguing and creating theories to understand more about the giant
lump in our skulls. Yet, I think we only knew so little, there are just millions
of different informations out there waiting future generations to rediscover
them, or maybe we will be the ones who will discover these truly amazing
information about our central nervous system. These are your choice, you
can choose to work for a better future or you can wait for others to do the
job for you. After all these, I personally think that intelligence is something
far beyond measurable, it is too complicated, but I believe that one day the
answers to the mysteries of the element that makes us distinct from animals
shall be revealed.
Bibliography
Works Cited
Gardner, Howard. Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century.
New York: Basic Books, 1999
Multiple Intelligences. ED. Thomas Armstrong. 1998-2000. Art Education
Association, Texas. 7 December 2003 < http://www.thomasarmstrong.
com/multiple_intelligences.htm>.
Multiple Intelligences. ED. Thirteen-Ed Online Team. 2003. Disney Learning
Partnership, USA. 8 December 2003 < http://www.thirteen.org/edonline
concept2class/month1/index.htm>.
Activity
Please answer the following questions :
1. What was the theory of multiple intelligences? Do you think it
is reasonable?
2. What do you think is intelligence?
3. If you can make up your own theory about multiple
intelligences (MI). What would it be?
Also for further information, you can visit my web site at :
www.geocities.com/timweiwei