Gardner does not view intelligence in the traditional manner. "Intelligence refers to the human ability to solve or make something that is valued in one or more cultures. As long as we can find a culture that values an ability to solve a problem or create a product in a particular way, then I would strongly consider whether that ability should be called an intelligence." (Howard Gardner in Checkley)

But, before a particular ability can be called an intelligence, it has to meet several criteria:

• Representation in the brain for the ability (Biological Basis)

• Presence of populations that are especially good or especially impaired in an intelligence (i.e. exhibited in extreme forms in idiot savants, prodigies and geniuses)

• Possess a clear developmental history
• Used in the performance of culturally valued roles around the world (Cultural Basis)

Based on the criteria above along with findings in the fields of neurology, developmental and cognitive psychology, and anthropology, Gardner has identified eight intelligences:

Together, these eight intelligences provide a theoretical foundation for recognizing the different talents and abilities that people, and especially students, possess. It is possible that there may be more than these eight; MI theory is still in its infancy. When the theory was first developed, Gardner identified only seven. The eighth, naturalist intelligence, was recently added.

According to MI theory, each person has all eight intelligences, but to differing degrees. Although they are anatomically separated from each other, the intelligences rarely act independently. They are generally used concurrently, complementing one another as skills develop.

In Gardner’s words:

This theory contradicts the traditional view of intelligence being predetermined and unalterable. MI states that we can get better at each of our intelligences, although some people will improve in some areas more readily than others. This differential progress may be attributed to biology giving them a better brain for that intelligence or because their culture gave them a better teacher.

The applications of MI theory are numerous, with the most obvious being educational applications.