Intelligences

Does human intelligence properly consist of one general intelligence to understand the world, or multiple, partially-distinct intelligences—that is, “intelligences” in the plural. If there were one overall general intelligence, or g, then a single IQ could sum up a person's intellectual prowess; if there were many, somewhat distinct mental abilities, then a more nuanced approach would be needed. We cover the key theorists who contributed to the debate, their empirical findings, and the mathematical models they employed. We conclude by covering the contemporary understanding of broad intelligences and, very briefly, their implications for education.