Chapter 14 MI Theory and Existential Intelligence

This chapter focuses on what may be a ninth intelligence called existential intelligence. Students with this intelligence are those that have a keen sense of life and of the issues surrounding it, as well as an understanding of themselves within the context of the universe. The author of this book makes the point that this intelligence should not be addressed in a separate way like the other intelligences are, but that it should be incorporated into the instruction. As a teacher, I would encourage my students to think about the meaning of life issues in relation to the topics I address in class. Occasionally, this would lend itself to an assignment or some kind of exercise that promoted students to think beyond the topic and into its significance in the world.