Product Description

We live in a time of vast changes. And those changes call for entirely new ways of learning and thinking. In Five Minds for the Future: Howard Gardner defines the cognitive abilities that will command a premium in the years ahead:

• the disciplinary mind—mastery of major schools of thought (including science, mathematics, and history) and of at least one professional craft
• the synthesizing mind—ability to integrate ideas from different disciplines or spheres into a coherent whole and to communicate that integration to others
• the creating mind—capacity to uncover and clarify new problems, questions, and phenomena
• the respectful mind—awareness of and appreciation for differences among human beings and human groups
• the ethical mind—fulfillment of one’s responsibilities as a worker and citizen

World-renowned for his theory of multiple intelligences, Gardner takes that thinking to the next level in this book, drawing from a wealth of diverse examples to illuminate his ideas. Concise and engaging, Five Minds for the Future will inspire lifelong learning in any reader as well as provide valuable insights for those charged with training and developing organizational leaders—both today and tomorrow.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5471 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-03
• Released on: 2007-04-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 196 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Psychologist, author and Harvard professor Gardner (Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons) has put together a thought-provoking, visionary attempt to delineate the kinds of mental abilities ("minds") that will be critical to success in a 21st century landscape of accelerating change and information overload. Gardner's five minds-disciplined, synthesizing, creating, respectful and ethical-are not personality types, but ways of thinking available to anyone who invests the time and effort to cultivate them: "how we should use our minds." In presenting his "values enterprise," Gardner uses a variety of explanatory models, from developmental psychology to group dynamics, demonstrating their utility not just for individual development, but for tangible success in a full range of human endeavors, including education, business, science, art, politics and engineering. A tall order for a single work, Gardner avoids overly-technical arguments as well as breezy generalizations, putting to fine use his twenty years experience as a cognitive science researcher, author and educator, and proving his world-class reputation well-earned. Though specialists might wish Gardner dug a bit more into the research, most readers will find the book lively and engaging, like the fascinating lectures of a seasoned, beloved prof.
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Review
"...a detailed and thoughtful description of the multifaceted brains that are likely to be most valued in the coming decades." --BusinessWeek, May 7, 2007

From the Back Cover
The world of the future will demand capacities that, until now, have been mere options. Have you begun developing those capacities-in yourself and others?

We live in a time of vast changes that include accelerating globalization, mounting quantities of information, the growing hegemony of science and technology, and the clash of civilizations. Those changes call for new ways of learning and thinking in school, business and the professions. In Five Minds for the Future, noted psychologist Howard Gardner defines the cognitive abilities that will command a premium in the years ahead:

the disciplinary mind-mastery of major schools of thought (including science, mathematics, and history)and of at least one professional craft

the synthesizing mind-ability to integrate ideas from different disciplines or spheres into a coherent whole and to communicate that integration to others

the creating mind-capacity to uncover and clarify new problems, questions, and phenomena

the respectful mind-awareness of and appreciation for differences among human beings

the ethical mind-fulfillment of one's responsibilities as a worker and a citizen

Armed with these well-honed capacities, a person will be equipped to deal with what is expected in the future-as well as what cannot be anticipated. Without these "minds", individuals will be at the mercy of forces they can't understand-overwhelmed by information, unable to succeed in the workplace, and incapable of making judicious decisions about personal and professional manners.

Renowned worldwide for his theory of multiple intelligences, Gardner takes that thinking to the next level in this book. Concise and engaging, Five Minds for the Future will inspire lifelong learning in any reader and provide valuable insights for those charged with training and developing organizational leaders-today and tomorrow.

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Customer Reviews

Thought-provoking Work for Academics
Again, I am fascinated by Gardner's ideas. The focus this time is more on the discipline, academics, and ensuring synthesis in learning. A worthwhile read for any educator.

Visionary
Dr. Gardner is a visionary. His recommendations will lead us into the 21st century through a perception that applies to all aspects of our lives.

outstanding book
This book by Gardner is one of the most important about education and personal development.The concepts are new and well described.A book worth reading and rereading.