For years, intelligence was measured largely by IQ tests and academic performance. But Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner challenged that view with his theory of multiple intelligences, arguing that intelligence is not a single ability, but a set of diverse capacities.
Today, this concept helps redefine how we think about learning, talent, and problem-solving across different contexts.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of intelligence identified in Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences (plus one bonus type at the end).
Contents
1. Linguistic Intelligence
Also known as verbal intelligence, this type reflects a person’s ability to use words effectively. People with high linguistic intelligence are good at written language, storytelling, and understanding complex meanings.
Common strengths: Writing, reading, public speaking, language learning
2. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
Often associated with scientific reasoning, this intelligence involves sequential reasoning skills, mathematical operations, and the ability to analyze problems logically.
Common strengths: Math, coding, strategy games, scientific theory
3. Spatial Intelligence
Also called visual-spatial intelligence, this type reflects a strong ability to think in three dimensions. It includes mental imagery, spatial reasoning, and understanding how objects fit in space.
Common strengths: Drawing, architecture, design, navigation
4. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
This intelligence type is about using the body effectively for expression or solving problems. Those with high kinesthetic intelligence demonstrate physical and athletic prowess and body awareness.
Common strengths: Sports, dance, acting, physical tasks
5. Musical Intelligence
Musical intelligence is the ability to recognize, create, and reproduce rhythm, pitch, and melody. These individuals often excel at learning musical instruments and identifying tone and rhythm.
Common strengths: Playing instruments, composing, musical memory
6. Interpersonal Intelligence
This refers to a person’s ability to interact effectively with others. High interpersonal intelligence includes reading body language, understanding emotions, and social intelligence.
Common strengths: Communication, leadership, empathy, collaboration
7. Intrapersonal Intelligence
Intrapersonal intelligence involves self-awareness and understanding one’s own feelings and motivations. These individuals are often introspective and self-motivated.
Common strengths: Self-reflection, emotional intelligence, independence
8. Naturalistic Intelligence
Also called “nature smart,” this intelligence is the ability to recognize patterns in the natural world. It includes understanding plants, animals, and ecological systems.
Common strengths: Gardening, biology, environmental science, animal care
Bonus: Existential Intelligence
Not included among Gardner’s eight core intelligences, existential intelligence has been proposed as a capacity for exploring deep questions about human existence, morality, and the universe.
Common strengths: philosophy, theology, abstract thinking, exploring the human condition
Why Multiple Intelligences Matter
Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences shifts the classical idea of general intelligence to one that values diverse skills and ways of thinking.
It encourages educators to develop school curricula that support various intelligence types, recognizing that people learn in different ways depending on their dominant intelligence.
Whether you’re nature smart, people smart, or number smart, multiple intelligence theory highlights the many ways human beings engage with the world.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.