Gardner subsequently put forward the theory of multiple intelligences, arguing that humans used seven types of intelligence to study, solve problems, and to create tools: verbal intelligence, logical intelligence, spatial intelligence, bodily or kinesthetic intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, and intrapersonal intelligence.
爾後，嘉納提出「多元智能論」，他認為語文、邏輯、空間、肢體、音樂、人際關係、內省能力等七種智能是人類用來學習、解決問題，以及創造的工具。