Analysis Of Howard Gardner's Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences

According to Howard Gardner in “Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century”, intelligence is defined as a “biopsychological potential to process information that can be activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create products that are of value in a culture” (33-34). Gardner further explained it by saying that intelligences are potentials “that will or will not be activated, depending on the values of a particular culture, the opportunities available in that culture, and the personal choices made by individuals and/or their families, schoolteachers, and others” (34). He goes on to say that intelligence is not a single faculty and that many types of intelligences exist and operate with different capacities
The personal intelligences consist of interpersonal intelligence and intrapersonal intelligence. Interpersonal intelligence is “a person’s capacity to understand the intentions, motivations, and desires of other people and, consequently, to work effectively with others” (Gardner 43). My interpersonal intelligence is high. It is very easy for me to relate to others. Working at a clothing store, it was my job to try to figure out what my customers were shopping for. I had to understand what the customers desired in order for me to help them successfully find something they liked so that they can buy it. Intrapersonal intelligence is “the capacity to understand oneself, to have an effective working model of oneself and to use such information effectively in regulating one’s own life” (Gardner 43). My intrapersonal intelligence is also high. I am fully aware of my desires, fears and capacities. My goal before this summer ends is to go to an amusement park, and get over my fear of roller coasters. I know that I am capable of going on roller coaster rides in order to get over my fear. I plan on taking a stand in my life so that I will no longer fear riding roller coasters ever
Existential intelligence pertains to capturing and thinking about the fundamental questions of existence. I am always asking myself questions about life. I always find myself pondering about my future goals, what my purpose is in life, and why horrid things occur around the world. I have the tendency to go online and research all the questions I have in order to obtain answers. I currently attend catechism classes every Sunday morning. Not only do we discuss our Catholic faith, but we also discuss life. My teacher always asks us what we think our purpose is in life and what steps we should take to make the world a better place. He gets us thinking about these important questions, and we all begin to put our input and thoughts about life into our class