Howard Gardner proposed the Theory of Multiple Intelligences and defined 9 intelligence types, which I wrote about here. When he was defining each type of intelligence he specified seven criteria for a behavior to meet in order for it to be considered a form of intelligence and be a part of his theory. The criteria are as follows:
- A potential for brain isolation by brain damage
- A place in evolutionary history
- The presence of core operations
- Susceptibility to encoding (symbolic expression)
- A distinct developmental progression
- The existence of savants, prodigies, and other exceptional people
- Support from experimental psychology and psychometric findings
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Each of his 9 intelligence types (Visual/Spatial, Verbal/Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, Bodily/Kinesthetic, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Musical, Naturalistic, and Existential) meet these requirements. I believe that two additional intelligence types can be added to this theory thereby creating two new types of intelligence.
Of course, one could separate the divided intelligence types, (Visual/Spatial, Verbal/Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, and Bodily/Kinesthetic) into two separate intelligence types and have thirteen types of intelligence rather than 9, but that would not be adding any new types of intelligence.
First Addition
I can think of two potential additions. The first one is Social/Cultural Intelligence, which describes “street smarts” and how to behave in different cultures throughout the world. Although this is not an intelligence type specifically discussed by Gardner, one might argue that it is very closely related to the interpersonal intelligence type. Interpersonal people are extroverted and have good relations with those around them. They are able to effectively interact with others and may indeed have good street smarts.
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However, the cultural aspect is a new development that goes beyond simply being street smart. Nowadays, people need to know how to act in their own culture and in the other cultures around them. This is important because if you offend the wrong culture or do something that you are unaware of you may accidentally commit yourself to something that you would rather not be committed. Therefore, being aware of the cultures around your living environment and understanding how they think and behave is another form of intelligence all on its own.
There is a good chance that in 1983, when Gardner invented the 9 types of intelligence, world traveling was not what it is today. In addition, there were significantly less foreign populations living in other countries. Some people say that the existential intelligence type includes culture due to its tendency to examine everything as a whole. However, I find that to be a weak argument because culture is such a vast topic on its own that it cannot possibly be combined into a pre-existing form of intelligence. Therefore, Social/Cultural intelligence would be a great addition to the multiple intelligence types.
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Second Addition
The second addition that I believe is valid is Religious Intelligence. Gardner mentioned this but shied away from it due to the sensitive nature of religion. Again, consider the time in which he was proposing his theories. In the 1980’s religion was not as widely accepted and diverse as it is today. Therefore, he said that he did not want to create a theologically based intelligence type due to the fact that religion is such a sensitive and personal subject. He also explained that existential intelligence could include religion because of its thinking nature.
This is a little more acceptable than it including culture because culture is such a vast and constantly changing area. Still, in today’s world, the addition of religious intelligence would most likely be accepted and encouraged as many people are beginning to study and examine other religions. Theological beliefs around the world are now being seen as interesting and fascinating rather than wrong. Sure, not everyone may agree with them. However, they are all seeking to understand why other people believe what they believe. Thus, Religious Intelligence would also be a good addition to the multiple intelligence types.
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Conclusion
In all reality creating two additional intelligence types will most likely never happen. However, based on the progression of the world and how things have changed since the early 1980’s it seems that the addition of these intelligence types would make sense. Of course, this is simply a brief argument for the two additional intelligence types and there are many more points that could be made. However, this is satisfactory for the time being. Feel free to add your comments below to weigh in on this topic.
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Thank you,
Spencer Coffman
SpencerCoffman.com
Love this post @spencercoffman...
I believe the Two (+2) that you've added...
Social/Cultural is so apt for our Social Media and Social Change in our world today. Of course different cultures will cause very differing impact to the normalities of culture.
Religious is unfortunately not what people are so in-tuned with. It's what we now call being more Spiritual but not Religious. One can say it's not about belieiving in a Creator or Gods but a Journey of discovery to the Core of their Call.
Although I will withhold my beliefs from this discussion 😊😊
Thanks again for the post. Cheers mate.
Mel @coachmelleow
Thank you for this great comment and I'm glad you enjoyed the post. I believe that cultural and religious awareness are both very important and agree with what you've stated. As time progresses, beliefs become more and more broad and it is essential that we know and understand them.
Keep on sharing from your heart mate! Cheers. Mel
Thank you!
I think the cultural intelligence it is even deeper than interpersonal. You can hava a good interpersonal intelligence but that is not a guarantee of being good outside your comfort zone or your culture. But the inverse is true, in order to have a good cultural intelligence you have to be good in the interpesonal relationships, at least thats my point of view. Good Article, See you around
Yes, I agree with you on that point. You need to be interpersonal in order to get out in the different culters and develop that type of awareness and intelligence.
Love this post ❤
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing some of your posts as well.
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excelent @spencercoffman, I liked your post, I wanted to ask you for help with my post´s in English
Hey, I'm glad you liked my post! Have you tried using Google translate to convert your posts to English? It's not perfect but it would serve the purpose.