Existential Investigation
It has been over two decades since Howard Gardner introduced Existential thinking as a possible 9th intelligence. During 2024 you are invited to join this re/search (to look again) into the status of this valued human activity.
Existential Invitation Letter
We will explore three questions:
1. Is there evidence to support its inclusion in MI as a scientific theory of human intelligences?
2. Can Existential Thinking (ET) be measured distinct, observable levels of skill and ability?
3. What are the implications (both positive and negative) for including ET in education?
What is Existential Thinking?
. . . explores the nature of existence in its multifarious guises. Thus, an explicit concern with spiritual or religious matters would be one variety – often the most important variety – of an existential intelligence. To be concerned with “ultimate” issues of life and to engage in transcendental concerns. H. Gardner, 1999, chapter 4, p. 60.
This information packet orients the reader to what is described by
Existential Thinking and how it differs from other concepts.
Existential Information Packet
Existential Intelligence vs. Spiritual
Many people wonder how spirituality is related to
Existential thinking. Gardner explains the differences in his book, Intelligence Reframed (1999).
– read excerpt here.
Spiritual as Concern with Cosmic or Existential Issues
Education and Existential Intelligence
What might be the implications for adding Existential considerations to an educational curriculum? Is this already happening in private and religious schools based on a theoretical foundations?
Education and Existential — paper – click
This paper provides a detailed understanding of the Existential Thinking concept and its learning / educational applications.
A group of teachers provided feedback on the MIDAS – SET scale and then reflected on the implications for adding Existential thinking to the school’s curriculum.
Teachers’ Feedback on SET – click
MIDAS – Scale for Existential Thinking
In 2004 I created the MIDAS Existential questionnaire to examine several important aspects of Existential Thinking and activities.