Name: Vincent Zachary
Subject: Freshmen English 102
Professor: Teddy Chocos
Date: 3/13/2013
A Glimpse of the Multiple Intelligence Theory
Born in 1943, Howard Gardner, Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education at the
Harvard Graduate School of Education, redefined the way intelligence is being perceived in
this world. His contributions towards the field of education earned him many outstanding
accolades such as receiving the MacArthur Foundation award in 1981 and the Grawemeyer
Award in Education in 1990, being the first American ever to receive it. Acting as co-director
of Harvard’s Project Zero, which aim is to improve the standards of education in schools by
putting the elements of creativity into effect in terms of how students think and solve
problems, he formulated one of the most famous theories regarding human intelligence in the
modern age; it is known as the Multiple Intelligence Theory.
The Multiple Intelligence Theory first came to light from his published book, Frames
of Mind. In the book, he argued against the generalized perception of intelligence, which is
based the measurements set by the IQ (Intelligence Quotient) test, a test formulated by a
French psychologist named Alfred Binet. The results of an IQ test will signify the level of
basic intelligence a person inherently possesses. Gardner begged to differ with this famous
method of intelligence measurement, and he supported his objections with several insights.
One of it was based on the fact that IQ results may be the decisive factor for a person in terms
of succeeding in schools, but not a contributing factor towards successes in life. The second
insight was established by his research of the human brain. He found that certain parts of the
brain control the functionality of the mind, and this discovery led him to believe that
intelligence is not restricted to one singular form; it is in fact dispersed into several.
The purpose of the Multiple Intelligence Theory was not formed to disprove Binet’s
theory. Rather, its aim is to enhance it, shedding the singularity of intelligence and pluralize it
into multiple intelligences, and Gardner did so by introducing seven forms of intelligences
(Musical, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Logical-Mathematical, Linguistic, Spatial, Interpersonal and
Intrapersonal). These intelligences were selected based on strict criteria, both biological and
cultural, and only those which pass that particular criteria are recognised under the theory.
Factual evidences and real-life examples pertaining to their respective intelligences were
given. Under the category of Musical Intelligence, he introduced world renowned violinist
Yehudi Menuhin, who was a child prodigy. First he gave a background of how Menuhin was
exposed to violin music, along with his remarkably fast progress in becoming an international
performer. Gardner explained how his musical intelligence was triggered before he even
played the violin, suggesting that his strong response towards hearing violin music for the
first time and incredible advancement in violin when he underwent training was the act of
musical intelligence. Gardner also gave factual information on why musical intelligence
made the criteria. He explained that established parts of the brain are biologically linked to
the perception and production of music.
Although his theory defined intelligence in several forms, these intelligences work
together as a whole system. Although this may seem contradictory, Gardner aims to establish
his point that human intelligence are not restricted to standardized tests alone. The theory
established the unique attributes a single person has, for her or she may possess several
intelligences, which allows the person to have a personalised identity, which is of utmost
importance for every human being to know his or her strengths and weaknesses