Spectrum of Development

We have looked now briefly at the modes of development both with respect to the primary "colours" (cognitive, affective and volitional) and the many - and somewhat arbitrary - list of secondary modes (i.e. "multiple intelligences"). And we have seen that as far as successful integration of the personality, the primary modes are vital. In fact the complete mature development of the personality requires that cognitive, affective and volitional be both differentiated successfully in a sequential manner with respect to each of the major bands (and accompanying levels) on the spectrum, while also being simultaneously integrated with each other. Now, while imbalances are indeed possible with respect to development of the three primary modes (up to and including Band 5), the final two radial bands would however require a high degree of integration with respect to all three modes. As we have seen, in terms of the secondary manifestations, a person may show special ...

An important omission from Howard Gardner's list of "multiple intelligences" is any mention of humour. I have always found it significant that humour is generally omitted from the story of development, which is indeed very odd as it constitutes (in all its varied forms) a very important intelligence. Some years ago I gave special attention to this neglected issue submitting an article to the "Integral World" site entitled " Humour and Related Experience ". I was subsequently gratified when it then later received unexpected attention from some very interesting correspondents. Without attempting to properly summarise what I have already written in that article, I will make the following comments. Just as I have been emphasising with respect to musical and kinisthetic intelligence the dynamic nature in which they can provide temporary "peak" experience (esp. with respect to emotional experience), this is even more true with respect to ...

We return now to bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. With regards to this intelligence it is especially difficult to see how it might develop though all the major bands (and accompanying levels) of development. There is a sense in which the overall perspective with which one views kinesthetic intelligence   can itself undergo change. However, as we all know special proficiency in this regard is not itself a necessary prerequisite for full development. However directly and indirectly it is indeed very significant in our culture. As we have seen sporting success in any field requires a special form of kinesthetic intelligence (that is in a sense unique to that sport). This is probably the first intelligence to properly unfold in development, where it is tied to early infant sensori-motor ability. This then can later blossom into a special talent for particular sports. Now it is certainly true that the existence of the mere raw ability for a particular sport does not g...