Howard Gardner is one of the most influential educational psychologists of the past half century. Best known for his theory of Multiple Intelligences, Gardner has transformed how educators think about intelligence, learning, creativity, and human potential.
Watch the YouTube video interview: https://youtu.be/DX9811c4lJI
Subscribe to the Substack newsletter: https://keithsawyer.substack.com
In this episode, Gardner reflects on the origins of Multiple Intelligences theory, explains why IQ scores capture only a narrow range of human abilities, and discusses what intelligence really means. He traces the development of his ideas from studies of brain damage and cognitive development to his work at Harvard University's Project Zero. Our conversation also explores the relationship between intelligence and creativity, the role of the arts in human development, the concept of the "synthesizing mind," and the profound challenges that artificial intelligence poses for education and society.
Topics discussed include:
- What intelligence is—and what it isn't
- The strengths and limitations of IQ tests
- The theory of Multiple Intelligences
- Brain research and human cognitive abilities
- Project Zero and learning through the arts
- Creativity and innovation
- Ethics and human responsibility
- Artificial intelligence and education
- The future of colleges and universities
- What learning scientists should know about AI
Howard Gardner is the John H. and Elisabeth A. Hobbs Research Professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. In 1967, he was a founding member of Harvard Project Zero (HPZ), a research group focused initially on understanding the nature of artistic knowledge,; but one which now covers a wide range of educational and epistemological issues. For 28 years, with David Perkins, he was Co-Director of Harvard Project Zero, and in more recent years has served in a variety of leadership positions. He is the author of more than 30 books, including Frames of Mind, Creating Minds, Five Minds for the Future, and A Synthesizing Mind.
Gardner's work has shaped educational practice around the world and influenced generations of teachers, researchers, and policymakers. This conversation explores not only his most famous ideas but also the broader questions that have guided his career: What is intelligence? What makes people creative? And what will remain uniquely human in an age of increasingly powerful AI?
Gardner's current work can be followed on these four sites:
· HowardGardner.com
· TheRealWorldofCollege.com
· MultipleIntelligencesOasis.org
· TheGoodProject.org
Music by license from SoundStripe:
- "Uptown Lovers Instrumental" by AFTERNOONZ
- "Miss Missy" by AFTERNOONZ
- "What's the Big Deal" by Ryan Saranich
Photo credit Jay Gardner, 2025
Copyright © 2026 Keith Sawyer
