Which intelligence encompasses aesthetics, philosophy and religion?

• A. Existential Intelligence
• B. Linguistic Intelligence
• C. Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
• D. Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

Answer: (A)

Existential intelligence is about grappling with big questions about existence, meaning, and reality. It naturally includes exploring aesthetics, philosophy, and religion because these domains ask what is meaningful, what beauty signifies, and how we understand life and our place in the universe. In Gardner’s framework, this type of intelligence involves valuing and reflecting on such questions, often relating to morality, spirituality, and the nature of knowledge.

Linguistic intelligence centers on words and language, logical-mathematical on reasoning and numbers, and bodily-kinesthetic on movement and physical skill. While those intelligences can touch on philosophy or aesthetics, they do not inherently focus on the existential questions that define this type of intelligence.