Physical Intelligence is often developed through various activities, such as sports, dance, yoga, and other movement-based practices. It emphasizes not only physical skills but also the mental aspects of physicality, such as focus, intention, and mindfulness in movement. This intelligence can contribute to overall well-being, performance in physical activities, and the ability to navigate physical environments effectively.
The theory of multiple intelligences (MI) is a pseudoscientific theory which proposes the differentiation of human intelligence into specific distinguishable multiple intelligences, in contrast to the prevailing theory of general intelligence, which defines it as a single general ability. Despite its lack of general acceptance by the psychological community, since 1983, the theory has been popular among educators around the world. Introduced as a revolutionary psychological construct, it came to be severely criticized by psychologists for its lack of empirical evidence, its dependence on subjective judgement and its overall unscientific and speculative nature.
In his book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (1983) and its sequels, Howard Gardner identifies at least eight distinct intelligences that humans use to survive, thrive and build civilization. The theory describes intelligence as the "brain's toolkit" for creating symbolic thought that is mobilized within one’s specific culture. While the concept of a unitary or general intelligence has been controversial since its introduction in the early 1900s, no other multi-intelligence theory has endured to challenge its dominance to the same degree as Gardner’s MI theory.