Exam 3: Deciding to Know Yourself

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Howard Gardner, a developmental psychologist, is best known for his theory of multiple intelligences, which he introduced in his 1983 book "Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences." According to Gardner, intelligence is not a single general ability but rather a collection of distinct types of intelligences. Two of the intelligences he identifies are interpersonal intelligence and intrapersonal intelligence, which are distinct from one another in several ways:

Interpersonal Intelligence:
- Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. It involves effective verbal and nonverbal communication, the ability to note distinctions among others, sensitivity to the moods and temperaments of others, and the ability to entertain multiple perspectives.
- People with high interpersonal intelligence are skilled at managing relationships and understanding social cues. They are often extroverted and thrive in social situations.
- This type of intelligence is often found in people who are successful in sales, teaching, counseling, politics, and management, where understanding and interacting with people is a significant part of the job.

Intrapersonal Intelligence:
- Intrapersonal intelligence is the capacity to understand oneself, to appreciate one's feelings, fears, and motivations. It involves having an effective working model of ourselves, and to be able to use such information to regulate our lives.
- People with high intrapersonal intelligence are introspective and can use their understanding of themselves to guide their lives effectively. They are often introverted and prefer to work alone.
- This intelligence is often found in individuals who excel in fields that require a high degree of self-reflection, such as philosophy, psychology, theology, and writing.

In summary, the main difference between interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence lies in the direction of focus: interpersonal intelligence is outward-looking and concerned with understanding and relating to others, while intrapersonal intelligence is inward-looking and concerned with understanding oneself. Both are considered important for personal success and fulfillment, but they play out in different domains of life and work.