Question

According to Gardner, there are eight theories of intelligence. Describe one type of intelligence and what occupation someone with a strength in that area might excel at.

Answer 1

According to Howard Gardner there are 8 types of intelligence, and he even proposed a 9th type of intelligence later on. He did not include the 9th type because he did not want to commit or comment on the spirituality and on the existence of God. His 9 types of intelligence are:

1. Verbal/Linguistic - Intelligence of language, speech and associated forms.
2. Visual/Spatial - Intelligence of art, closed spaces, and visualization, etc.
3. Musical/Rhythmic - Intelligence of art of music, composing, tone, etc.
4. Logical/Mathematical - Intelligence of analysis, logic, problem solving, reasoning, etc.
5. Naturalistic - Intelligence based on nature, distinction of flora, fauna, geography, etc.
6. Intrapersonal - Intelligence regarding self, deep understanding of self, self-realization, etc.
7. Interpersonal - Intelligence regarding emotion, mood and sensitivity of others, etc.
8. Bodily/Kinesthetic - Intelligence involving grasping of bodily movements, artistic rendering through body movements, sports, etc.
9. Existential/Cosmic - Intelligence based on spirituality, existence of God, cosmic powers, etc.

Naturalistic Intelligence was not a part of original intelligence theories Gardner had proposed, but he added it later on to make 8 types of intelligence. People with this type of intelligence are able to distinguish easily between different kinds of flora and fauna, their forms, and their properties, they are able to understand geography of the place, and have the understanding of one's surrounding. They are able to apply this intelligence productively also to find a new method or new ways to improve and help the environment and people living in it.

People who possess this intelligence excel at fields of hunting, gathering, agriculture (farmer), biological science, zoology, marine biology, botany, fishery, animal husbandry, geographical science (geologist), chef, ranger, astronomer, meteorologist, gardner, landscaper, wilderness doctor or assistant, veterinary doctor or assistant, nature photographer, animal trainer, etc.