TOW #20: Howard Gardner’s 9th Addition to his Intelligence Theory

Howard Gardner is the theorist who designed the Multiple Intelligence Theory. This theory showed people the way their brain interprets concepts and what types of activities they can tackle and how to do so. For example, an author has verbal linguistic intelligence for they can develop a meaningful text and not only enjoy doing so but are seen as good at writing. They were probably very good with words and got good grades in their English classes. Someone who is good at working within a group or team can be seen as very interpersonal because they are good at being cooperative. They can read emotions of other people and respond to them. The intelligences continue.

Previously, there were 7 intelligence's: interpersonal, linguistic, logical mathematical, intrapersonal, visual, bodily and musical. Naturalistic intelligence came later and was a nice addition. Naturalistic people are able to understand and categorize things in nature. Recently I have a read an article and there was a 9th addition. There have been many theories as to more intelligences that should be added such as spiritual and sexual intelligence. The 9th intelligence that was listed in the article was existential intelligence which is defined as “sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence such as, What is the meaning of life? Why do we die? How did we get here?” I do not identify such as another intelligence.

The other intelligences have a larger basis. They are broad but rightfully so. This new so-called intelligence is entirely theoretically based. Now, I realize the term is redundant as this entire idea is a theory. However, the definition of the intelligence is all based on another theory. These questions are indeed difficult to answer but the question “How did we get here?” cannot be answered so simply. Clearly, it takes intelligence to develop a theory but it’s something you cannot prove. You cannot prove we got here from developing from a fish, monkey, or brought here by God. None of us know for certain. How can you base an intelligence off the unknown?