Howard Gardner : the myth of Multiple Intelligences

First of all, what are the prerequisites for an intelligence: that is, what are the
general desiderata to which a set of intellectual skills ought to conform before
that set is worth consideration in the master list of intellectual competences?
Second, what are the actual criteria by which we can judge whether a candidate
competence, which has passed the “first cut”, ought to be invited to join our
charmed circle of intelligences? (p60)

Identifying an intelligence is thus a two-stage process. First, it has to satisfy the
prerequisites; and secondly it has to satisfy the criteria.

Prerequisites

The first stage is the more important. If a candidate fails here, it stands no chance. So
what Gardner says about prerequisites is crucial. He tells us (1983:60-1) that

A human intellectual competence must entail a set of skills of problem-
solving.. .and must also entail the potential for finding or creating problems ...
These prerequisites represent my effort to focus on those intellectual strengths
that prove of some importance within a cultural context.

He goes on to say (p62) that

a prerequisite for a theory of multiple intelligences, as a whole, is that it
captures a reasonably complete gamut of the kinds of abilities valued by human
cultures.

Failing candidates

Which candidates fail and which pass the test? Among failures, Gardner includes the
„ability to recognize faces’ because it „does not seem highly valued by cultures’.

Is this true? If most of us could not recognize the faces of our relatives, friends,
colleagues, or political leaders, it is hard to see how social life would be possible.

Passing candidates

In Gardner 1983 the passing candidates must include the seven intelligences. They
must have all been picked out for their problem-solving and problem-creating skills

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