The process of investigating truth requires a free exchange of points of view related to a
topic, in which all participants are equally respected without regard for their social or professional
status. As diverse ideas are dispassionately examined, taken up, left to one side, revised,
integrated, or built upon, a fuller understanding of the truth of a matter gradually comes to light,
reflecting the richness of a diversity of approaches.
The opinion of a very articulate person sometimes predominates in a discussion because
that person may be perceived to be more intelligent. However, according to John Gardner’s theory
of multiple intelligences, which is gaining favor within education and developmental psychology,
human beings have multiple intelligences. These can be used to carry out at least seven forms of
analysis: 1) linguistic (writer, poet), 2) logical-mathematical (scientist), 3) musical (composer), 4)
spatial (architect), 5) kinesthetic (athlete, dancer), 6) interpersonal (teacher), 7) intrapersonal (selfknowledge).
4 Depending on which kind of intelligence predominates in a person, that person will
perceive certain aspects of a problem with greater clarity than another. Appreciating the diversity
of intellectual endowments during consultation permits us to be receptive to all perspectives and
actively seek out everyone’s contribution.