Multiple Intelligences Chapter One

Multiple Intelligences Ch. 1

Abstract.
In Chapter 1 of Multiple Intelligences, Armstrong discusses Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. He describes the eight intelligences that have met certain criteria that allow them to be called intelligences instead of just talents or skills. These criteria include the potential to be isolated by brain damage, the existence of exceptional individuals in that area, a developmental history and definable set of “end states”, an evolutionary history, support from psychometric findings, support from experiments, and an identifiable set of operations. In addition, Armstrong states that each person has some level of all eight intelligences; no one intelligence acts by itself, and there is no set way for the intelligence to be acted out. Armstrong also gives examples of career paths for each of the intelligences. He stresses as well, that individuals can improve their strength in any given intelligence through study and practice. Armstrong concludes the chapter by presenting the idea that there may be more intelligences that have not been fully tested as of yet.


Self-Relations:
The chapter offered a great introduction to the theory of MI, and the part where it described how each intelligence works over a period of time as it develops due to environment and influences. The discussion about savants and exceptional people interested us greatly. Having wondered how someone could be so brilliant at such a young age. The point Armstrong made that many times, when a person is brilliant in one area, they function at a low level in other areas was also of great interest. A couple of our minds wandered reflecting on the intelligences that our friends and family exhibit. We also thought it was very interesting, and encouraging to see that according to the MI Theory, most people can develop all their intelligences to a fairly high level provided they have accommodating life circumstances. The possible existence of other intelligences not yet ascertained was of great interest as well.