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Fi and Ti

Silveresque

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Jul 28, 2011
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There seem to be a lot of confused members (like me not too long ago) who aren't sure whether they're INFP or INTP, or more specifically, Fi users or Ti users. I believe it's because the two functions can appear identical on the surface, reaching the same conclusions while the underlying processes involved are different.

I've found a quote by an INFP (Snail) on INTP Forum that attempts to explain the processes of Fi:

I feel that my emotions are trustworthy. I use them to fine-tune my value system, which utterly rejects prejudices such as those GarmGarf mentioned. I do this by waiting until I have a feeling, then checking it against what I believe I should feel. If the two are not consistent, I re-analyze why I believe I should feel otherwise. If it does not make sense or is inconsistent with the rest of my values, particularly the foundations of the value system, I alter the value until it is properly aligned. If the reason makes sense and retains an internal consistency with the rest of the value system, I figure out why I am feeling inappropriately. When I discover the core of the error, I can work to change the spiritual flaw in order to change the emotion. I continue focusing on appropriate attitudes until the actual emotion aligns with the value system again.

I'd like to know how other Fi users relate to this description. Please feel free to add to the description, cross out parts that don't fit with you, or even to write your own description.

I've attempted to write my own version explaining what is (hopefully) Ti's form of reasoning:

I feel that my emotions are valid. However, I don’t feel that they are a particularly relevant consideration when fine-tuning my value system, which uses a more detached form of logic. I don’t have to wait until I have a feeling to analyze in order to ascertain my values. I detach myself in order to gain a broader perspective and to determine what is relevant. If something is irrelevant, I remove it from consideration. I analyze in order to find logical inconsistencies between established values, and if such inconsistencies are found, I attempt to test the values by considering all relevant factors, such as the implications of such values in various scenarios. My reasoning process includes questions such as “What if I were to consider this factor” or “What would be the consequences of such a value”, rather than “How do/should I feel”. If a value is found to have positive implications, it is considered justified. My feelings will usually be subconsciously altered during this process so that they are aligned with the value system.

Again, I invite Ti users to critique this description. I am only one INTP, so I'd like to get a more accurate description that encompasses Ti as a whole, rather than just my personal form of reasoning.

It seems that existing descriptions of Ti and Fi are vague and don't really attempt to explain the processes beneath the surface, which I believe is where the main difference lies. That's why I'd like to create more in-depth and specific descriptions that actually describe the underlying cognitive processes in order to figure out where exactly the line can be drawn between Fi and Ti.
 

sulfit

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simple way to tell:
are you dispassionate in your thoughts and warm up when you are around people or
are you very warm and humanistic in your thoughts but tend to be more dispassionate around people
first one is Ti, second one is Fi
 

NegativeZero

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Ti ---> Subjective logic, i.e., personal logical frameworks beget by external connections via Ne, reasoning, and analysis
Fi ---> Subjective ethics, i.e., personal moral framework beget by emotions, external connections via Ne, and authenticity.

If you are often thinking about morality and what is the "right" choice, you are likely an INFP. If you have strong opinions on what people should or should not do, you are likely an INFP. If you value ethics over logic, you are an INFP.

It really comes down to what dominates your mental warfare: ethical, humanistic, personal dilemmas or logical, impersonal ones. Passion and motivation really don't have anything to do with being an Fi user or a Ti user; both types can get inspired. Ti users will be more persuaded by rational appeals while Fi users will be more persuaded by emotional appeals.
 

Southern Kross

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I feel that my emotions are trustworthy. I use them to fine-tune my value system, which utterly rejects prejudices such as those GarmGarf mentioned. I do this by waiting until I have a feeling, then checking it against what I believe I should feel. If the two are not consistent, I re-analyze why I believe I should feel otherwise. If it does not make sense or is inconsistent with the rest of my values, particularly the foundations of the value system, I alter the value until it is properly aligned. If the reason makes sense and retains an internal consistency with the rest of the value system, I figure out why I am feeling inappropriately. When I discover the core of the error, I can work to change the spiritual flaw in order to change the emotion. I continue focusing on appropriate attitudes until the actual emotion aligns with the value system again.

This is pretty accurate (although it is specifically a FiNe mode of thought). I'm not sure I would say I believe my emotions are 100% trustworthy. I think of emotions as a source of information but they can be distorted just like any other - they need to be double checked against other relevant information. But I suppose all this is what the full statement implies.

I feel that my emotions are valid. However, I don’t feel that they are a particularly relevant consideration when fine-tuning my value system, which uses a more detached form of logic. I don’t have to wait until I have a feeling to analyze in order to ascertain my values. I detach myself in order to gain a broader perspective and to determine what is relevant. If something is irrelevant, I remove it from consideration. I analyze in order to find logical inconsistencies between established values, and if such inconsistencies are found, I attempt to test the values by considering all relevant factors, such as the implications of such values in various scenarios. My reasoning process includes questions such as “What if I were to consider this factor” or “What would be the consequences of such a value”, rather than “How do/should I feel”. If a value is found to have positive implications, it is considered justified. My feelings will usually be subconsciously altered during this process so that they are aligned with the value system.
Interesting. I suppose you could say Ti starts from a point of conscious evaluation of the situation, whereas, Fi waits for a unconscious, gut reaction, then tries to make sense of it and evaluate its validity. But honestly the rest of your description doesn't seem all that different, except that, my emotions are more central to the issue - if they're wrong, I want to know why and want to do something about preventing this mistake in the future. Unlike you, my emotions don't tend to unconsciously change in the process if they are found to be misleading or inappropriate. In fact, they often continue to persist unless they are proven plain wrong. Nonetheless, they are simply rendered irrelevant and are subjugated by the value. So I guess you could say I'm interesting in taming my feelings and training them into behaving appropriately.

Example: an INFP is at a social gathering and doesn't particularly want to be there or talk to anyone. However, her values (eg. strong beliefs in respecting others, the importance of basic social participation, politeness etc etc) compel her to ignore her feelings and make herself agreeable to others. She still doesn't want to be there but disregards this feeling and behaves in accordance to the relevant values.
 

Seymour

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Here's how I responded in the other thread:

Snail said:
I feel that my emotions are trustworthy [have understandable causes]. I use them to fine-tune my value system, which utterly rejects prejudices such as those GarmGarf mentioned [?]. I do this by waiting until I have a feeling, then checking it against what I believe I should feel. If the two are not consistent, I re-analyze why I believe I should feel otherwise. If it an emotional response does not make sense or is inconsistent with the rest of my values, particularly the foundations of the value system, I alter the value [my understanding] until it is properly aligned. If the reason makes sense and retains an internal consistency with the rest of the value system, I figure out why I am feeling inappropriately. When I discover the core of the error, I can work to change the spiritual flaw in order to change the emotion [my understanding to align my feelings with what is correct] . I continue focusing on appropriate attitudes [analyzing the causes] until the actual emotion aligns with the value system again. [Sometimes, the emotion persists anyway, in which case I have to make an ongoing effort to ignore it.]

At any rate, I think I use my emotional responses more as a detection system, rather than any kind of final arbiter of absolute truth. Still, there is a kind of peace/contentment with a decision which I use as an indication that it fits my personal values.

Generally, though, I realize that my values are my own and that they don't apply to other people. The exceptions to that are cases when other people are denied the respect and autonomy I think they deserve as individuals.
 

Silveresque

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Unlike you, my emotions don't tend to unconsciously change in the process if they are found to be misleading or inappropriate. In fact, they often continue to persist unless they are proven plain wrong. Nonetheless, they are simply rendered irrelevant and are subjugated by the value. So I guess you could say I'm interesting in taming my feelings and training them into behaving appropriately.

Example: an INFP is at a social gathering and doesn't particularly want to be there or talk to anyone. However, her values (eg. strong beliefs in respecting others, the importance of basic social participation, politeness etc etc) compel her to ignore her feelings and make herself agreeable to others. She still doesn't want to be there but disregards this feeling and behaves in accordance to the relevant values.

Thanks for your feedback, Southern Kross. Actually, I think I might need to tweak that last sentence a bit. My emotions might be subconsciously altered, or they might not, in which case I would simply have to ignore them, like in your example.
 

lunalum

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simple way to tell:
are you dispassionate in your thoughts and warm up when you are around people or
are you very warm and humanistic in your thoughts but tend to be more dispassionate around people
first one is Ti, second one is Fi

I think this is pretty good... though my thoughts aren't necessarily without passion, they just aren't naturally very warm or humanistic.

The way I come across the difference in my interactions with xNFPs:

Ti users are more inclined to want to make sense of things, whether they have "value" or not.

Fi users are more inclined to want to attach value to things, whether they make "sense" or not.
 

Silveresque

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Joined
Jul 28, 2011
Messages
1,169
simple way to tell:
are you dispassionate in your thoughts and warm up when you are around people or
are you very warm and humanistic in your thoughts but tend to be more dispassionate around people
first one is Ti, second one is Fi

I think this is pretty good... though my thoughts aren't necessarily without passion, they just aren't naturally very warm or humanistic.

The way I come across the difference in my interactions with xNFPs:

Ti users are more inclined to want to make sense of things, whether they have "value" or not.

Fi users are more inclined to want to attach value to things, whether they make "sense" or not.

I think these are good observations, but I'm skeptical as to how useful they could be in determining whether someone is a Fi user or Ti user. The differences seem rather subtle and are subject to being perceived in light of one's own biased self-image. Back when I thought I was an INFP, I probably would have seen myself more in the Fi descriptions simply because of my bias. Of course, now I identify more with the Ti descriptions, so it really becomes a statement that confirms whatever type you happen to suspect you are at the time.
 

Vizzy

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I want to bring here two sources that may help this discussion. Descriptions of Ti and Fi by Dr. J. H. van der Hoop, Conscious Orientation posted by Psilo from PC: http://personalitycafe.com/nts-temperament-forum-intellects/5997-introverted-thinking.html and http://personalitycafe.com/nfs-temperament-forum-dreamers/3065-introverted-feeling.html

This is one of the best descriptions of Introverted Thinking, I reckon.

Introverted Thinking
The introvert of thinking-type also takes his systematized experience as his guide; but here the emphasis falls on the inner aspect, thus on the need for objective order and on laws and principles, according to which experience is generally systematized. Abstraction of that part of conscious experience which is revealed as constant and subject to general rules is regarded by the introverted thinker as something of vital significance. He tries to arrange the opinions which he takes over from others in a system of his own. In doing so, he will take up a more critical attitude in regard to the thought-material which he is taught than do extraverted thinkers, and his aim is to follow the guidance of his own opinions and convictions. In consequence, we find a most careful working-over of his own experience, but a tendency to leave out of his reckoning facts and points of view which are not known to him. While the strength of the extraverted thinker lies in his easy application of systematized knowledge, the introverted thinker is particularly good at comparing systems and principles. He feels at home among abstractions, and there are many fine shades of meaning in the world of his ideas. Also, as he is more skilled in introspection, he is better able to examine mental facts than is the extraverted psychologist.

Hence we see here a living contact with ideas, and subtle reflection and consideration, side by side with difficulty in expressing and applying what has been thought out, and a certain aloofness from the world of facts in general. There is thus in these people a contrast between their consciousness of the objectivity of their judgment, and their difficulty, of which they are equally conscious, in defending this judgment and securing its recognition by others. This produces, even in children of the type, a peculiar attitude. They are often reserved, somewhat timid and uncertain, and seem not to feel at home in the world. On the other hand, they will, at the same time, manifest an obstinate, somewhat pedantic decisiveness. They have not the cool logicality of the thinking extravert, but take up a more fanatical stand, which may easily degenerate into dogmatism and extreme pedantry. In general, both children and adults of this type are, as a result of their introversion, difficult to convince that they are mistaken. Their inner, logical reasoning makes them feel that they are right, and they may take up an attitude to the external world also, which might be expressed as follows: "That is my opinion, even if I can't prove it; whether you agree or not, it will not change it to the slightest degree."

At an early age they have learned that the fact that they inwardly regard something as true does not in the least mean that others will accept it. As a result, their attitude is, in general, more sceptical in regard to the validity of any truth than is that of a thinking extravert, and they are more inclined to allow for the existence of differing views, even when these do not entirely tally with theirs or with those of prevailing authorities. At the same time, however, this gives rise to a feeling of aloofness in regard to any generally recognized system of truth, for this often seems to them something quite unattainable. On the other hand, they never cease to be surprised that what seems so obvious to them should not be equally clear to others. Occasionally such people will go to great pains to express themselves as objectively and clearly as possible, but sometimes they give up the attempt and simply present their views in the form in which they arose. In the difficult language of some philosophers we find the effect of both influences — sometimes in strange combination. As a result of this somewhat sceptical and resigned attitude in regard to form, the judgments of introverted thinkers have often about them something cautious, cold or stiff-necked. It is as if they already reckoned on difficulty in convincing others. Jung says of this type: "Even if he goes as far as giving his thoughts to the world, he does not deal with them as a careful mother would with her children, but he exposes them as foundlings, and at the most he will be annoyed if they fail to make their way."

This inner conflict between certainty as regards conviction, and uncertainty as to how to maintain and apply this conviction in the world, intensifies thought concerning personal conflicts and problems. Hence many philosophically disposed persons belong to this type. They aim at having, at least inwardly, a foundation of pure ideals and definite principles for the ordering of their lives. Such people make, as it were, endless preparations for life; they constantly renew their efforts to perfect their equipment, so as to be equal to the fight for existence. This they do, not only in the big problems of life, but also in ordinary practical matters. They like to have a systematic view of the whole situation before entering on any new ground. In order to be able to adapt themselves, they need to have order in their life and work, and they love making programmes. When travelling, they eagerly study maps and guide-books, or they may even try to master the language of a foreign country, before ever they go there. Such people like to be able to foresee all the possible difficulties which may arise in their business or work, so as to be able to take precautions against them in good time. Occasionally this leads to the most elaborate reckoning with every important practical detail. Ford seems to me to be a good example of the potentialities in practical adaptation characteristic of the type, with his elaborate preparations down to the smallest detail coupled with a theoretical justification of all his ideas. In a mind less clear and with less insight into what is essential, this preparation may, however, lead to much fussiness and complexity, and in such cases much energy and attention is wasted in warding off imaginary dangers.

These thinking people are also found more especially among the male sex. Great philosophers, such as Kant, belong to them, and also many mathematicians and psychologists. Or they may be found in all kinds of practical and applied sciences, and taking leading roles as careful organizers, legislators or contractors. On occasion, however, they are unable to get over certain unpractical traits, and will then cause difficulties with their fanatical exactitude in details, or by everlastingly insisting on their pet principles in any discussion or practical undertaking. This makes co-operation with them in any large combine somewhat difficult. Socially, also, they are somewhat surly. Their attitude to others is more or less studied, seldom absolutely spontaneous. Here again, their systematic thinking stands between them and the world. Their words are usually carefully chosen and weighed, and thus are a kind of mask. People of this type are usually aware of this; but they see no possibility of adopting any different attitude. One usually learns to know them better in a smaller circle, where they will be more spontaneous, and even cordial or original; but even so, with a tendency to be awkward as a result of over-sensitiveness or irascibility. It is more easy to see them as they really are in some sphere in which they have begun to master the technique.

As among the extraverted thinkers, here, also, we may find keen concentration of will and constant activity. Since the introvert finds the motives for his aspirations more within himself, he is less dependent on external stimuli. This is counter-balanced, however, by greater susceptibility to inner difficulties, which, accordingly, may damage his working capacity. And while his independence of circumstances gives him great perseverance, even where initially no success is to be looked for, it may also happen that he will squander his best powers on something impossible from the practical point of view, without realizing this in time.

If the instinctive life manages to gain some influence, it will be conducted along definite paths by a controlling reason. As a rule, introverted thought finds support in the perceptual aspect of instinctive experience, since this represents its objective aspect. This type of thinker is, however, in philosophy, natural science and psychology, more inclined than the extravert to speculate on the nature of perception and the object. In addition, he is, as an introvert, more in touch with the subjective side of instinctual life. He is more conscious of the inner struggle between instinctual drives, and here also he will seek to create order with his reason, in which case it will depend on his principles as to how he will do this. The theorizing idealist, full of his ideal of the purity of love, and despising as filthy anything remotely associated with sex, will, in the inflexibility of his system, be not far removed from those who defend licence on the principle that nature must not be denied. Both attitudes are in point of fact calculated to evade the practical complications of the problem, and to keep it, so to speak, at a distance. The introverted thinker will sometimes have a great deal to say on such subjects; but he is not, for all that, better, or more skilled, in practice.

Intuition may also influence people of this type to a greater or less degree, giving them something original, which is, however, subdued, since it can only be permitted to play any part in their life after it has been carefully tested. Intuition also reveals to them the schemata and principles according to which thought may classify experience. But the immediate results of personal vision, both in regard to the internal and the external world, tend rather to be mistrusted, unless it is obvious that they will fit into the system. These results may, however, give rise to alterations and extensions in the system. Nevertheless, fine inspirations frequently remain unfruitful, owing to the ponderous way in which they are dealt with.

Feeling, again, gives rise to the chief difficulties in people of this type. Anything which conforms to their principles and views is allowed; but even this cannot easily find expression, owing to deficient familiarity with current modes of expression. As a result, people of this type will often display a strict conventionality, or else a childish disregard of these modes. Inwardly, their feelings, moods and impulses cause them much more unpleasantness than they do to the extraverted thinker, the latter being less aware of them. An introverted thinker, when in love, feels awkward, uncertain and ridiculous. He will try and talk himself out of his feelings, or else make endless preparations to give expression to them, which is, naturally, scarcely conducive to spontaneity.

I actually relate to very much of this. The bolded bits are just the bits that seemed to stand out particularly.
Unfortunately, it compares Ti with Te rather than with Fi.

"That is my opinion, even if I can't prove it; whether you agree or not, it will not change it to the slightest degree.
I understand that the main point here is that Ti (like Fi) doesn't require external confirmation, but don't both Fi and Ti types experience this? And if so, how do their experiences of it differ?
When it comes to the belief in God, I am unsatisfied when people say, "I believe God exists even if I can't prove it" though at the end of the day, I live and let live.
On the other hand, I'm unshakeable in my confidence that extraterrestrial life exists (How can it not?)...even if I can't prove it.

Introverted Feeling

The introvert of feeling-type finds support and guidance by shaping his own feeling-attitudes in accordance with an inner ideal. Here the activities of feeling are hidden, and from the outside there is, as a rule, little to tell us that we are dealing with a person of feeling-type. Feeling aims more especially at an inner harmony, trying to discover what under various circumstances should be the right relationships between people if life is to be beautiful and well balanced. Reality, however, reveals in most cases that this ideal is not attained, and introverted feeling is particularly vulnerable in regard to such experiences. This vulnerability — which may become as intense at that of the sensitive plant — is one of the most characteristic peculiarities of this type.

Just as with the introvert of thinking-type, we find here, too, a marked contrast between inner security on the one hand, and uncertainty in external behavior on the other. But whereas with the introverted thinker this opposition gives rise to thought concerning the problems of life, with the individual of feeling-type it leads to deep feeling, and to a strange mixture of inner tenderness and passionate conviction. These people are absolutely certain as to the soundness of their ideals, but this is accompanied by a helpless feeling that it will never be possible to realize them in this world. They do not, however, reject the world, for feeling means the making of ties and is directed towards social contacts. In spite of ever-repeated collisions with the world and with other people, they can never give up their wish to love them both.

They conceal their sensitiveness behind a mask, which may be childish or simple, or again conventional, remote, or it may be friendly. But behind this mask the search goes on for someone who will understand, and for a community which will embody their ideals. However disappointed they are, they still in their innermost being believe implicitly in what their feelings tell them. Even if they are not able to express it clearly in words, they are inwardly quite certain as to what accords with them and what does not. Outwardly, their feelings are not very obvious, for when these are affected, these people tend to withdraw into themselves, and if they do express anything, it will only be much later, after they have had time to work it all over within themselves.

In ordinary life their mask conceals what they really are. But there is, nevertheless, something very individual about them, sometimes remarkably so, which will come to expression particularly in certain moments, in relation to certain people. This happens more especially in two situations: when they achieve real contact with another person; and when, in a state of high emotional excitement, they stand up for a threatened ideal.

In the first case, a very profound relationship of mutual understanding may suddenly come into being, all the wealth of their minds being unlocked to the confidant; sometimes this contact will later be broken off just as suddenly and unexpectedly, in defence of their own vulnerability. And where his feelings are aroused, the person who appeared to be so impersonal, remote and somewhat insignificant may suddenly burst out with a personal point of view, expressed with such conviction and such force of feeling that it compels respect.

Such people may also resist with extreme obstinacy anything that does not accord with their sentiments. This resistance may be justified, in so far as it is based on a motive of fine feeling; but the means used to give it emphatic expression is ill-suited to the external world, and in this respect incorrect. The consequence is that they are nearly always misunderstood, and they tend more or less to resign themselves to this situation. This contrast between a clear intention, directed towards harmony, and uncertain modes of expression, giving rise to misunderstandings, is found again and again in the lives of these people.

In childhood they are gentle and dreamy, and somewhat reserved, but with occasional violent outbursts of emotion. In familiar surroundings they can be unrestrainedly gay; but more often they are likely to exhibit violent resentment if circumstances do not correspond to their feelings, and it then seems to them that harshness and indifference prevail in the world. As a result, they seem to show signs of disappointment at a very early age, and a certain distrust of life. Owing to their inability to express themselves clearly, and to bring their ideals to reality, there may arise a feeling of impotence and inferiority. They are apt to seek the fault in themselves, and may suffer much from a sense of guilt on this account. Here, also, feelings have a tendency to extend their influence, with the result that their whole being may be plunged into depths of unhappiness; but at other times a genuine emotional contact with someone will once more fill them with a quiet and enormous delight. Now they will look at the world again with new eyes, and a feeling that is almost religious will embrace both nature and man.

Later, also, the happiness of these people will depend on the emotional attachments which they are able to make, though they find it less necessary than do extraverts of this type to be in immediate touch with other people. The expression of other people's feelings in poetry and music, and the realization, through the reading of stories and biographies, of the depths of their spiritual experience, may have the effect on these people of making them feel more at home in the world. In this way, there develops in them a life of the spirit, which is carefully concealed from strangers, and which may be expressed, for instance, in a secret piety, or in poetical forms, which are revealed only with great unwillingness.

This feeling-type is particularly found among women. Whereas the woman of extraverted feeling-type has it in her to create an atmosphere of harmony around herself, in the introverted woman of this type all the riches of her mind will be developed into a love which is inwardly directed towards the highest ideals of harmony. Without saying or doing much, such a woman will emanate a feeling of rest and security. It is difficult to describe an influence of this kind, expressed as it is in such indefinite forms. But on the immediate environment it may be very effective. A mother of this type may have an even greater influence on her children than the devoted and radiant mother of extraverted feeling-type. These women are often able to implant and foster something of their own ideals in their children, exercising in this way a quiet force which helps to keep a respect for moral authority alive in the world.

All the modes of expression for the deeper impulses of the spirit in religion and art find great support in such people. Whether they are artists or scientists, they are still primarily attracted by problems of the emotional life. They express themselves in such occupations with great care and precision. Here again the persistence and devotion of the individual of feeling-type become evident. When they do give form to their inner feeling — in a poem, for example — they will carefully weigh every expression; at the same time, they will often neglect generally accepted social forms, which for them have no significance; or they will employ conventional and simple forms as a mask, from behind which a more genuine and finer feeling

Although in these persons the will, under the direction of strong moral conviction, represents an important factor in the psyche, it is less evident than in the other rational types, owing to the fact that the controlling activity is directed more inwards, and will occasionally come quite unexpectedly to light. feeling is expressed more indirectly. It is most evident in the strong sense of duty characteristic of these people, and in their faithful discharge of their duties. Their activity frequently suffers as a result of moods of discouragement. When this is so, they lose themselves in pessimistic feelings, giving up their efforts to make themselves better understood, or to alter things in their environment. After a time they recover from such moods, since they tend, as a rule, to regard them as a fault in themselves.

This contact with their own moral judgment represents an essential factor in the lives of feeling-introverts. They are not bound by the judgments of others — as is the feeling-extravert — for the standard by which they judge their own behavior is an inner moral law, intuitively felt to be binding. While the extravert of feeling-type will repress, for the sake of harmony, things both in himself and in the external world which do not accord with his ideal, the feeling-introvert will remain more aware of such conflicts. In him, however, the limiting and excluding activity of the demand for harmony may be detrimental in a different way, everything not consonant with that harmony being regarded from a negative point of view, as opposed to what is ideal and good. It is impossible for these people to see the world or themselves objectively, and their continual comparison of things with ideal requirements gives them an exaggeratedly critical point of view. Since this also applies to their own lives, there is an undermining of their own self-confidence, as well as of their confidence in the world, which may seriously affect their happiness in life. It is necessary for these people to recognize that things which do not exactly accord with their ideals may yet have a value which may be developed.

In these cases, also, the instinctual life is to a very large extent subordinated to the regulating force of feeling. Since the relationship between moral conviction and instinctual impulse is here worked out more within the mind, there is less danger of pretence for the sake of the external world than with extraverts. Instinctual feelings are subordinated to the ideal. At the same time, there may be a too forcible suppression of the instinctual life, in which case it will lead not so much to a split in the emotional life as to a certain joylessness, and to the feeling that life is passing without bringing any true fulfilment. There is too often a need to associate all pleasures and joys with some moral value, and to condemn them if this higher satisfaction is not obviously found in them.

Intuition is also subjected to the authority of introverted feeling. Intuitions here bear more on the inner aspect of feeling than on its expression in other people. They may give form to the laws of feeling, but in images rather than in concepts. Where intuition is developed, it is of great assistance in finding expression for introverted feeling, both in practical life and in art. Intuition may also provide a link with religious life, which, in this case, will be specially developed in its feeling-aspect: inner moral unity with God and with his fellow-man has greater significance for the man of feeling-type than ecstatic experiences or philosophical problems. The dominance of feeling is revealed in the constant search for a harmonious relation and in the weight given to views on morality, love and justice.

Thought is, as a rule, not very essential in the lives of these people. They accept the thought-forms as taught to them, and make conscientious use of them; butthis is not vital to them, as the judgment of feeling is. In their thought-processes, they argue from preconceived attitudes of feeling, and frequently do not embark on any logical thinking at all, leaving the realm of logic to others to deal with.

Dr. J. H. van der Hoop, Lecturer in Psychiatry, Amsterdam, Conscious Orientation

There are quite a few overlaps...
What can you gather from these two descriptions?
 

Chiharu

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There seem to be a lot of confused members (like me not too long ago) who aren't sure whether they're INFP or INTP, or more specifically, Fi users or Ti users. I believe it's because the two functions can appear identical on the surface, reaching the same conclusions while the underlying processes involved are different.

I've found a quote by an INFP (Snail) on INTP Forum that attempts to explain the processes of Fi:



I'd like to know how other Fi users relate to this description. Please feel free to add to the description, cross out parts that don't fit with you, or even to write your own description.

I've attempted to write my own version explaining what is (hopefully) Ti's form of reasoning:



Again, I invite Ti users to critique this description. I am only one INTP, so I'd like to get a more accurate description that encompasses Ti as a whole, rather than just my personal form of reasoning.

It seems that existing descriptions of Ti and Fi are vague and don't really attempt to explain the processes beneath the surface, which I believe is where the main difference lies. That's why I'd like to create more in-depth and specific descriptions that actually describe the underlying cognitive processes in order to figure out where exactly the line can be drawn between Fi and Ti.

By this, I'm more of a Ti user... but I'm an ENFP...
 

Vizzy

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Hi RevlisZero, I'll take a closer look at your definition of Ti now. :)

My reasoning process includes questions such as “What if I were to consider this factor” or “What would be the consequences of such a value”, rather than “How do/should I feel”. If a value is found to have positive implications, it is considered justified. My feelings will usually be subconsciously altered during this process so that they are aligned with the value system.
I find it interesting that you use "value" here when many others make a point to seperate "(human) values" for Fi and "principles" for Ti. What's your opinion on that?
 

alakazam

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There's a website with cognitive functions that I found here:

http://vikspiration.vikashan.com/guide-to-jungs-cognitive-functions


Here're its descriptions of Fi and Ti:

Fi: Introverted Feeling: Fi is more irrational, but more passionate than Fe. Fi cares deeply about decisions, and evaluates everything against an internal set of values. Fi may make a decision which inconveniences one party or another, but "means" something to Fi. Fi is all about valuing options against each other, deciding whether or not someting is worth their time.

Ti: Introverted Thinking: Ti cares about precision, and is often the one who will question an existing framework or model for efficiency and validity. Ti will use new systems or ideas to evaluate their own approach to a subject. Ti insists on knowing how things work, analysing and deconstructing until they are able to explain it. Ti wants to get everything "perfect", an achievement which is defined internally.


So, Fi compares options against each other with a value system.

Ti will work to deconstruct something to its fundamental elements and will use a systematic/ideological approach for decision making.
 

Vizzy

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alakazam

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Would you mind putting these two ways of thinking in a particular scenario/situation?

This is going to be hard. I'm not 100% sure I'll get it down, but it's a challenge and my brain will no longer let me leave it alone.


I suppose I should approach this from two perspectives: reactions to a simple, non-emotional event and reactions to an emotional event. I'll try to come up with examples from my own life, talk about how I dealt with them (Ti... With a little Te, but I'll focus on the Ti part) and how I'd imagine a Fi would respond. I'd welcome input on this from Fi users!




Situation A: Impersonal Decision

I have the choice between two jobs: Job A is one in the IT/Web Management department of the College of Medicine; Job B is a research assistant in my graduate department.


My approach:

If I boil Job A down to the fundamental pros/cons, I get this:

Pros:

- Future: Growing field (because of departmental transition to iPads, which'll need server support)
- Career Usefulness: Increase experience base in communications and interconnectivity, something I plan to do in my career
- Pay: Pays [relatively] well and decreases cost of grad school
- Work Environment: I know who my boss will be and we are of a similar mindset

Cons:

- Career Usefulness: Not DIRECTLY in my field


Doing the same for Job B gives me:

Pros:

- Career Usefulness: Directly in my field
- Career Usefulness: Opportunity to work with and implement new theories, testing their usefulness and situational appropriateness
- Transportation: Physically closer (no long walks from building to building between classes & work)

Cons:

- Work Environment: Department (for grad school) is very disorganized
- Pay: Pay & details are unknown
- Future: Shorter term by nature


At this point, I'm at a stalemate: both have pretty good pros. Therefore, I need to wait until the pro/con lists expand more before a clear choice can be made.


Theoretical Fi approach:

My gut feeling says that Job A would be better since I know who my boss'll be and I know I like him and it's less disorganized than Job B even though it's further away and just feels too detached from my field of study.

(honestly, I'm not sure if I've got this right because "It is often hard to assign words to the values used to make introverted Feeling judgments since they are often associated with images, feeling tones, and gut reactions more than words." Click here for source)



I'm going to have to come back to this tomorrow (it's 2:45 AM here, so technically later today...) to the emotion-based decision. I'd appreciate any insight into the Fi side of this situation. This would help my Ti/Fi comparison in an emotions-based decision (such as a relationship issue or something of the sort)
 

Vizzy

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The content of the Fi thought pattern is pretty much the same as the pros/cons in the Ti example, albeit less orderly (though I guess you were just trying to communicate the air of Fi.) I notice you did this by making Fi more rambly in language. Your Fi sounded more sure of itself...though I can imagine Fi-users going back and forth in such decisions.

How exactly do you distinguish subjective values from objective principles?
Let's use the issue of transportation as an example which would take into consideration time and travel money. Both a Ti-user and Fi-user can say "I'll take Job B because it's more convenient and travelling would cost less". Convenience and money - principles or values? Subjective or objective? Is distinguishing the two even important to what we're trying to do? Heck, am I even going in the right direction?
I guess we need to recognise that some see the accumulation of wealth as a principle/rule of life, and to others, it’s 'just' a matter of subjective value. It’s not black and white. But then, this leaves us wide open…again.

...
Yeah, it's quite a challenge and I'll need more time to think about this too.
 

Silveresque

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Hi RevlisZero, I'll take a closer look at your definition of Ti now. :)

I find it interesting that you use "value" here when many others make a point to seperate "(human) values" for Fi and "principles" for Ti. What's your opinion on that?

That's a good question, and I use the word "value" for a reason. For people who use the two functions in such a way that they're easy to distinguish, e.g. Fi for values and Ti for principles, a simple description of the two types like ones already available online will suffice, and there will be little doubt as to which function is being used. But where it gets tricky is when one function is used to serve both purposes. How then can one distinguish whether it is Fi serving the purpose of Ti or the other way around? I believe that the difference lies in the actual methods of making the decisions, the type of analysis involved. It is precisely for these such cases that I've created this thread, so that that subtle difference in processes can hopefully be revealed.

Here's an example of Ti serving the function of Fi. I value honesty, not because I feel that it is important, but because I have analyzed the implications of honesty vs. lying in all types of scenarios and determined that even though the truth can hurt, it is better in the long run to be able to trust. Since telling white lies to make people feel better creates only an illusion of harmony, I consider honesty justified. In my process of analysis, I considered the feelings of others as a consequence to lies, while disregarding my own feelings. But I think what made me finally decide was what I would want. I decided that I would rather live in an honest world, so that I know I can trust what people say, and so that real harmony can exist. So perhaps I used Ti at first, but decided in the end with Fi, or perhaps Ti is capable of basing decisions on one's own desires as well. I would like to hear what other people think of this example.
 

Silveresque

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Here's a description of Fi that I came across, written by Jung:

Introverted feeling is determined principally by the subjective factor. This means that the feeling-judgment differs quite as essentially from extraverted feeling as does the introversion of thinking from extraversion. It is unquestionably difficult to give an intellectual presentation of the introverted feeling process, or even an approximate [p. 490] description of it, although the peculiar character of this kind of feeling simply stands out as soon as one becomes aware of it at all. Since it is primarily controlled by subjective preconditions, and is only secondarily concerned with the object, this feeling appears much less upon the surface and is, as a rule, misunderstood. It is a feeling which apparently depreciates the object; hence it usually becomes noticeable in its negative manifestations. The existence of a positive feeling can be inferred only indirectly, as it were. Its aim is not so much to accommodate to the objective fact as to stand above it, since its whole unconscious effort is to give reality to the underlying images. It is, as it were, continually seeking an image which has no existence in reality, but of which it has had a sort of previous vision. From objects that can never fit in with its aim it seems to glide unheedingly away. It strives after an inner intensity, to which at the most, objects contribute only an accessory stimulus. The depths of this feeling can only be divined -- they can never be clearly comprehended. It makes men silent and difficult of access; with the sensitiveness of the mimosa, it shrinks from the brutality of the object, in order to expand into the depths of the subject. It puts forward negative feeling-judgments or assumes an air of profound indifference, as a measure of self-defence.

Primordial images are, of course, just as much idea as feeling. Thus, basic ideas such as God, freedom, immortality are just as much feeling-values as they are significant as ideas. Everything, therefore, that has been said of the introverted thinking refers equally to introverted feeling, only here everything is felt while there it was thought. But the fact that thoughts can generally be expressed more intelligibly than feelings demands a more than ordinary descriptive or artistic capacity before the real wealth of this feeling can be even approximately [p. 491] presented or communicated to the outer world. Whereas subjective thinking, on account of its unrelatedness, finds great difficulty in arousing an adequate understanding, the same, though in perhaps even higher degree, holds good for subjective feeling. In order to communicate with others it has to find an external form which is not only fitted to absorb the subjective feeling in a satisfying expression, but which must also convey it to one's fellowman in such a way that a parallel process takes place in him. Thanks to the relatively great internal (as well as external) similarity of the human being, this effect can actually be achieved, although a form acceptable to feeling is extremely difficult to find, so long as it is still mainly orientated by the fathomless store of primordial images. But, when it becomes falsified by an egocentric attitude, it at once grows unsympathetic, since then its major concern is still with the ego. Such a case never fails to create an impression of sentimental self-love, with its constant effort to arouse interest and even morbid self-admiration just as the subjectified consciousness of the introverted thinker, striving after an abstraction of abstractions, only attains a supreme intensity of a thought-process in itself quite empty, so the intensification of egocentric feeling only leads to a contentless passionateness, which merely feels itself. This is the mystical, ecstatic stage, which prepares the way over into the extraverted functions repressed by feeling, just as introverted thinking is pitted against a primitive feeling, to which objects attach themselves with magical force, so introverted feeling is counterbalanced by a primitive thinking, whose concretism and slavery to facts passes all bounds. Continually emancipating itself from the relation to the object, this feeling creates a freedom, both of action and of conscience, that is only answerable to the subject, and that may even renounce all traditional values. But so much the more [p. 492] does unconscious thinking fall a victim to the power of objective facts.

It seems that to understand the difference between Ti and Fi is to understand the difference between thinking and feeling. It sounds so simple, yet how can one truly separate thought from feeling? Everyone thinks and feels simultaneously, so how can one tell whether they're using one or the other? It's difficult for met to actually distinguish the two, to tell whether I know what I know because I have thought it or because I have felt it, especially since I intellectualize my emotions, turning them into thought as they surface. As crazy as it may sound, I believe it's entirely possible to think feelings and feel thoughts. If I feel something, but then I turn those feelings into thought and analyze them as thought, is it Ti or Fi? And what if in thinking about it I come back to feeling and make my decision? It's all so messy....I'm beginning to wonder if there's any distinction at all.
 

Mal12345

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Instinctual Variant
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There seem to be a lot of confused members (like me not too long ago) who aren't sure whether they're INFP or INTP, or more specifically, Fi users or Ti users. I believe it's because the two functions can appear identical on the surface, reaching the same conclusions while the underlying processes involved are different.

I've found a quote by an INFP (Snail) on INTP Forum that attempts to explain the processes of Fi:



I'd like to know how other Fi users relate to this description. Please feel free to add to the description, cross out parts that don't fit with you, or even to write your own description.

I've attempted to write my own version explaining what is (hopefully) Ti's form of reasoning:

Again, I invite Ti users to critique this description. I am only one INTP, so I'd like to get a more accurate description that encompasses Ti as a whole, rather than just my personal form of reasoning.

In your description of the Ti thought-process, you lost me at the word "values." It's as if you're trying to describe it from the Fi point-of-view.
 
R

ReflecTcelfeR

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Why not generalize (O, how ironic):

Ti: Deconstructing systems
Fi: Deconstructing humans.

Though humans are in themselves systems, which might actually be why when you talk about psychology the lines get blurry. Fi seems more fundamental in terms of use. Understanding why humans deconstruct systems hitting everywhere and Ti wants to deconstruct systems hitting everywhere. Thus two different paths to the same goal.
 
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