MI Chapter 1

MI Chapter 1

The first chapter I found to be very interesting and enlightening. I had knew about the Multiple Intelligences Theory before, but never quite this in depth. I learned a lot about the separation between multiple intelligences and learning-styles. Also, I am intrigued by the proposed new editions to intelligence. The section on the Existence of Savant, Prodigies, and Other Exceptional Individuals was familiar to me, but I never thought of the relation that occurs between the intelligences.

Gardner differentiates learning styles and MI Theory stating that learning-styles have general approaches that someone can distribute equally to all “conceivable content”. An intelligence is applied to a specific “context in the world”. I find this fascinating because I never could have told you the difference between the two before I read this chapter. Also, I would not have thought to compare Rain Man as a savant in the MI Theory. The fact that additions to MI like the existential, can be made shows its adaptability, evolution, and inclusion of all present and forthcoming intelligences.

The ability to be intelligent within each category had also never appealed to me. Just because you are not proficient in one part of the category does not mean that you are not that certain type of intelligence. Gardner's example of someone not being able to read, but be able to tell a terrific story is a prime example. An example of this that I can think of is just because someone does not have the ability to walk does not mean that the individual can not throw well.