Final answer:
Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences includes eight distinct intelligences and hints at a possible ninth, existential intelligence, which deals with deep existential questions. Emotional intelligence relates to Gardner's interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences but is not separately identified as one of the core intelligences in Gardner's model.
Step-by-step explanation:
Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences proposes that each individual possesses a variety of distinct intelligences. Among the intelligences Gardner identified, existential intelligence, which is sometimes referenced as a potential ninth intelligence, concerns the capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why we die, and how we got here.
Emotional intelligence is often discussed in the context of Gardner's interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences but is not formally recognized as one of the core intelligences outlined by Gardner. The eight recognized intelligences according to Gardner's theory are linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic intelligence.
Therefore, the answer to the question 'Gardner believes there is a 9th intelligence __' is 1) existential intelligence.