In this essay, I will attempt to sum up the nature of the functions both generally and concisely. My goal here is to logical deduce the functions down to what they essentially are, and in doing so, gain general definitions which can be used in the context of typing someone. This means that the definitions will not only capture the functions in their entirety, but be able to be applied to others to describe a general characteristic they present.
To start, I'll be unpacking the major concepts which are at the foundation of Jungian typology and mbti. This will begin with the dichotomies of introversion vs extraversion, perceiving vs judging, sensing vs intuition, and thinking vs feeling. Once these concepts are adequately fleshed out I will layout the essential nature of each particular function as simply as possible.
Introversion vs Extraversion
Introversion and extraversion are the general attitudes one can take. By attitude, I refer to the direction of ones awareness. Introversion directs its awareness inward, toward the subject, being subjective. Extraversion directs its awareness outward, toward the object, being objective. To understand introversion and extraversion fully we must also understand the nature of the subject and the object.
The Subject
The subject is practically synonymous with oneself. So, when one directs its awareness toward the subject, they are reflecting on their self, in a sense, distorting their awareness with the subjectivity of their own views, beliefs, and overall past experience (I say past experience because ones current state of mind is their sum of their past experiences. For instance, an individuals current state of knowledge is the sum total of all their previously acquired knowledge). In this regard, we could say that the subject is an internal referential point from which we understand stuff as it relates to our own unique individuality. Introversion is the preference for reflecting on this reference point, bouncing that which comes into awareness off of it.
The Object
The object is ones environment; all of that which surrounds them; the world outside of oneself. The object exists independently from the subject in the sense that its existence isn't effected by subjective impressions; the shared environment of two separate subjects is the same even if each subject perceives it to be different. In this sense, the object is objective and certain. You could imagine the object is something like the bare essentials of the outer world; the material world stripped down to its most fundamental form, akin to what Kant proposed as the "primary qualities". So, when one directs there awareness toward the object, they are remaining objective, focusing on those aspects of their environment which is shared, unaltered, and is not filtered through their own subjective lens.
Perceiving vs Judging
Before moving on, it's important to know that the essential nature of all functions is to process information. The world is made up of information. For an individual to make any movement in the world, they have to interact with information. This is where the functions come in to play; the functions are representative of the different ways we process information, generally speaking. So, the functions are modes of information processing; different types having different preferences for how they process information.
Of the functions, two types exist, perceiving and judging. Perceiving functions absorb information, simply observing it so it can be understood. You could say, perceiving functions are passive and receptive, due to the fact that they just take in information and don't put it up to any scrutiny. On the other hand, judging functions evaluate information, actually engaging with it. You could say judging functions are more active in their processing, due to the fact that they actually analyze and critique information. Both types of functions work together to interpret and discern information.
Intuition vs Sensation
Of the perceiving functions, you have intuition and sensation. Intuition looks to absorb information of the abstract nature. By abstract, I mean it finds the connections, patterns, and underlying meanings within and throughout information. On the the other hand, sensation absorbs information of the concrete or physical nature, typically referring to that of the senses, hence the label sensation. The purpose of each function is to simply take in information without applying judgement, the difference being in the type of information they process.
Intuition
Intuition dwells in theory, finding interest in the notions pervaded throughout information. Due to the nature of intuition being abstract, most of this functions perceptions are beyond words, having no concrete place in reality, and rely heavily on metaphors and analogies. Intuition is the perception that a brain is like a computer, or that society is like an organism; the perception is of the abstract, underlying connection of two different things. Furthermore, intuition is the ability to recognize that things are deeper than they appear, which is evident in the human pursuit of metaphysical truths. Overall, intuition is the perception of things that don't physically exist, but are represented in things that physically exist.
Sensation
Sensation doesn't go beyond what is physically there. In nature, this function deals with that which can be absorbed through the senses, leading to a concrete representation of information. This leads to information that is easily communicable for one, due to it having a physical form that can easily be described in words. It's also important to note that sensation is the sum total of that which we experience physically; it is our sensory experience. In essence, sensation is the perception of information as it exists physically.
Thinking vs Feeling
For the judging functions, there is thinking and feeling. To put it quite simply, thinking judges information logically, putting the information under the scrutiny of what is correct and what isn't, based on rationale; while feeling judges information ethically or righteously, putting information under the scrutiny of what is right and what is wrong, based on values. Essentially, both functions scrutinize information, the difference lies in the criteria used to discriminate what is true and what is false, what is right and what is wrong.
Thinking
Due to the nature of thinking, it's criteria is based on correctness and precision; judgement that is free from error. While feeling judges information through emotions, what feels right or wrong, thinking operates on reason, deciding what is true and what is false. Thinking looks at information almost mathematically, putting that information through a sort of equation: "if all humans are mortal and I am a human, I am therefore a mortal." You could say thinking strives for accuracy, dissecting information and eliminating it of errors. Essentially, thinking is the function of order and rationality, sifting through information and assessing the validity of it.
Feeling
Feeling, on the other hand, is based on morality; what is right and what is wrong; good vs. bad. Feeling is largely influenced by our emotions, as in, how we feel about information. While thinking judges based on laws of what actually is, feeling judges based on principles of fairness. Feeling looks at information morally, putting information under the scrutiny of ethics: "is this fair?", "is it right to be treated in such a way?".
It's important to note, that feeling is a social function, being responsible for assessing information in regards to others. It is the emergence of civilization and society that makes feeling a necessary function; there is no right or wrong if there is no one else to harm, it's the presence of others that lead to moral issues. In this way, feeling is essentially our social function, striving for equity and fairness, analyzing information and eliminating it of inappropriate and corrupt beliefs.
The Functions
Now, having the knowledge of the functions in there most basic form, we can move on to specialized functions. By this I mean, the functions when they take on a specific attitude, introversion or extraversion. If awareness can be directed both inward and outward, the functions can as well, since the functions are simply filters that awareness uses to metabolize particular information. Due to this, functions can process information in either an introverted or extraverted manner. The eight particular functions are: introverted intuition, extraverted intuition, introverted sensation, extraverted sensation, introverted thinking, extraverted thinking, introverted feeling, and extraverted feeling.
Introverted Perception
It's important to note that introverted intuition and introverted sensing are, first and foremost, introverted perceiving functions, This means that they take in information as it relates to the subject. In other words, when absorbing information, it views it from the perspective of the subject, leading to a narrow mindedness, where ones own perceptions are of preference, and the perceptions outside of ones own field of view are seen as irrelevant and rejected. You could say the subject is predisposed to perceive information in a particular fashion.
Introverted Intuition
Absorbs abstract information, such as patterns, ideas, and underlying truths, from the perspective of the subject. Leads to an observer who prefers to see a few relevant abstract notions as they manifest in the world around them. Introverted intuition parses through abstract information according to subjective interest, ignoring possibilities which are irrelevant to the subject. To the introverted intuitive, abstractions are not all equal, and only those that align with the subjects impressions of the world are treated with praise.
Introverted Sensation
Absorbs sensory information from the perspective of the subject, leading to an observer who attaches personal sentiment to sensory information. Sensory information is seen as symbolic of, or related to, some aspect of the subject. To the introverted sensor, pieces of sensory information are representative of associated past experiences.
Extraverted Perception
Just as introverted perceiving functions have a general underlying nature, so do extroverted perceiving functions. Where introverted perceptions prefer to take the perspective of the subject, extroverted perception removes that subjective lens and takes in information as it objectively is. To the extroverted perceiver, perceptions exist independently to them and simply are their surrounding environment. In this way, extroverted perception is fleeting, as there is no subjective attachment made and no particular piece of information being preferred, leading to large amounts of information being gathered, and none of it being held on to.
Extraverted Intuition
Absorbs abstract information as it comes across it and applies no subjective filter; abstract information has no intrinsic value. The object, or ones surrounding environment is seen as a world of possibilities, with patterns, ideas, and underlying truths emerging from all angles and perspectives. To the extroverted intuitive, no abstraction is to peculiar to be entertained (until analyzed by judging function).
Extraverted Sensation
Absorbs sensory information as it comes across it, experiencing it in its concrete, objective form. Ones surrounding environment is simply a physically world, existing as it does in that moment. To the extroverted sensor, sensory information is of no sentiment, and is simply the world they inhabit. To put it simply, this function is the epitome of empiricism.
Introverted Judgment
Since judging functions essentially critique information, introverted judging functions critique information according to the subject. In a way, you could say this type of subjective judgment takes place in a vacuum, detached from the surrounding environment; it simply has to make sense, or feel right to the subject. To the introverted judger, the scrutiny of information is ultimately at their hands, making them the final decider.
Introverted Thinking
Assesses information according to logic as the subject sees fit. To make sense, the information has to be structured as it is understood by the subject; relying on information to be distinct and defined, so it can be catalogued accurately, according to a subjective order. To the introverted thinker, validity is related to a structure within (typically propositional), assessing everything to align with their own understanding of information.
Introverted Feeling
Assesses information according to what is considered of value to the subject. The subjects emotional affect toward information is the ultimate decider of merit; "that disgusts me!", or "I love that". To the introverted feeler, right and wrong or good and bad is personally felt and isn't something to be objectified or even necessarily understood.
Extraverted Judgement
Objective analysis of information. Extroverted judging functions align information with their environment, ultimately looking for that which will lead to results. For the most part, extroverted judgment ignores the process of understanding and prioritizes solutions. To the extroverted judger, the criteria for which information is scrutinized in in the environment around them.
Extraverted Thinking
Assesses information according to the structure of ones surrounding, finding order to be something inherit in their environment. Logical analysis is something found outside of oneself, relying on facts, data, and empirical evidence. To the extroverted thinker, knowledge exists in relation to an externally acquired goal, being used as a tool to achieve.
Extraverted Feeling
Assesses information according to the agreed upon ethics of ones social surroundings. Ultimately, right and wrong, or good and bad, is determined by the consensus of those who make up ones social environment. To the extroverted feeler, value is determined externally and based on mutual agreement, and keeping to this agreement is key to maintaining harmony within the group.
Conclusion
To wrap up, I'd like to address that these definitions are an attempt to isolate each function and highlight its purpose. Essentially, each function has its own specialization, meant to mediate the interactions between awareness and the world. To sum it up, intuition specializes in the perception of truths and meaning; sensation specializes in the perception of the physical and sensory; thinking specializes in evaluation of structure; and feeling specializes in the evaluation of morals and propriety.
Ultimately, to understand the functions in there entirety, you need to understand them in the context of their underlying metaphysics. At the base of Jungian typology is the idea that there exists two worlds: the subjective and the objective. Mediating between these worlds are organisms, which have objective bodies possessed by subjective souls. The functions are simply the ways in which the awareness of an organism can interact with the different aspects of the worlds. The ways in which organisms differ from each other in their worldly interactions leads to individual differences in personality, and we categorize these as types.
To start, I'll be unpacking the major concepts which are at the foundation of Jungian typology and mbti. This will begin with the dichotomies of introversion vs extraversion, perceiving vs judging, sensing vs intuition, and thinking vs feeling. Once these concepts are adequately fleshed out I will layout the essential nature of each particular function as simply as possible.
Introversion vs Extraversion
Introversion and extraversion are the general attitudes one can take. By attitude, I refer to the direction of ones awareness. Introversion directs its awareness inward, toward the subject, being subjective. Extraversion directs its awareness outward, toward the object, being objective. To understand introversion and extraversion fully we must also understand the nature of the subject and the object.
The Subject
The subject is practically synonymous with oneself. So, when one directs its awareness toward the subject, they are reflecting on their self, in a sense, distorting their awareness with the subjectivity of their own views, beliefs, and overall past experience (I say past experience because ones current state of mind is their sum of their past experiences. For instance, an individuals current state of knowledge is the sum total of all their previously acquired knowledge). In this regard, we could say that the subject is an internal referential point from which we understand stuff as it relates to our own unique individuality. Introversion is the preference for reflecting on this reference point, bouncing that which comes into awareness off of it.
The Object
The object is ones environment; all of that which surrounds them; the world outside of oneself. The object exists independently from the subject in the sense that its existence isn't effected by subjective impressions; the shared environment of two separate subjects is the same even if each subject perceives it to be different. In this sense, the object is objective and certain. You could imagine the object is something like the bare essentials of the outer world; the material world stripped down to its most fundamental form, akin to what Kant proposed as the "primary qualities". So, when one directs there awareness toward the object, they are remaining objective, focusing on those aspects of their environment which is shared, unaltered, and is not filtered through their own subjective lens.
Perceiving vs Judging
Before moving on, it's important to know that the essential nature of all functions is to process information. The world is made up of information. For an individual to make any movement in the world, they have to interact with information. This is where the functions come in to play; the functions are representative of the different ways we process information, generally speaking. So, the functions are modes of information processing; different types having different preferences for how they process information.
Of the functions, two types exist, perceiving and judging. Perceiving functions absorb information, simply observing it so it can be understood. You could say, perceiving functions are passive and receptive, due to the fact that they just take in information and don't put it up to any scrutiny. On the other hand, judging functions evaluate information, actually engaging with it. You could say judging functions are more active in their processing, due to the fact that they actually analyze and critique information. Both types of functions work together to interpret and discern information.
Intuition vs Sensation
Of the perceiving functions, you have intuition and sensation. Intuition looks to absorb information of the abstract nature. By abstract, I mean it finds the connections, patterns, and underlying meanings within and throughout information. On the the other hand, sensation absorbs information of the concrete or physical nature, typically referring to that of the senses, hence the label sensation. The purpose of each function is to simply take in information without applying judgement, the difference being in the type of information they process.
Intuition
Intuition dwells in theory, finding interest in the notions pervaded throughout information. Due to the nature of intuition being abstract, most of this functions perceptions are beyond words, having no concrete place in reality, and rely heavily on metaphors and analogies. Intuition is the perception that a brain is like a computer, or that society is like an organism; the perception is of the abstract, underlying connection of two different things. Furthermore, intuition is the ability to recognize that things are deeper than they appear, which is evident in the human pursuit of metaphysical truths. Overall, intuition is the perception of things that don't physically exist, but are represented in things that physically exist.
Sensation
Sensation doesn't go beyond what is physically there. In nature, this function deals with that which can be absorbed through the senses, leading to a concrete representation of information. This leads to information that is easily communicable for one, due to it having a physical form that can easily be described in words. It's also important to note that sensation is the sum total of that which we experience physically; it is our sensory experience. In essence, sensation is the perception of information as it exists physically.
Thinking vs Feeling
For the judging functions, there is thinking and feeling. To put it quite simply, thinking judges information logically, putting the information under the scrutiny of what is correct and what isn't, based on rationale; while feeling judges information ethically or righteously, putting information under the scrutiny of what is right and what is wrong, based on values. Essentially, both functions scrutinize information, the difference lies in the criteria used to discriminate what is true and what is false, what is right and what is wrong.
Thinking
Due to the nature of thinking, it's criteria is based on correctness and precision; judgement that is free from error. While feeling judges information through emotions, what feels right or wrong, thinking operates on reason, deciding what is true and what is false. Thinking looks at information almost mathematically, putting that information through a sort of equation: "if all humans are mortal and I am a human, I am therefore a mortal." You could say thinking strives for accuracy, dissecting information and eliminating it of errors. Essentially, thinking is the function of order and rationality, sifting through information and assessing the validity of it.
Feeling
Feeling, on the other hand, is based on morality; what is right and what is wrong; good vs. bad. Feeling is largely influenced by our emotions, as in, how we feel about information. While thinking judges based on laws of what actually is, feeling judges based on principles of fairness. Feeling looks at information morally, putting information under the scrutiny of ethics: "is this fair?", "is it right to be treated in such a way?".
It's important to note, that feeling is a social function, being responsible for assessing information in regards to others. It is the emergence of civilization and society that makes feeling a necessary function; there is no right or wrong if there is no one else to harm, it's the presence of others that lead to moral issues. In this way, feeling is essentially our social function, striving for equity and fairness, analyzing information and eliminating it of inappropriate and corrupt beliefs.
The Functions
Now, having the knowledge of the functions in there most basic form, we can move on to specialized functions. By this I mean, the functions when they take on a specific attitude, introversion or extraversion. If awareness can be directed both inward and outward, the functions can as well, since the functions are simply filters that awareness uses to metabolize particular information. Due to this, functions can process information in either an introverted or extraverted manner. The eight particular functions are: introverted intuition, extraverted intuition, introverted sensation, extraverted sensation, introverted thinking, extraverted thinking, introverted feeling, and extraverted feeling.
Introverted Perception
It's important to note that introverted intuition and introverted sensing are, first and foremost, introverted perceiving functions, This means that they take in information as it relates to the subject. In other words, when absorbing information, it views it from the perspective of the subject, leading to a narrow mindedness, where ones own perceptions are of preference, and the perceptions outside of ones own field of view are seen as irrelevant and rejected. You could say the subject is predisposed to perceive information in a particular fashion.
Introverted Intuition
Absorbs abstract information, such as patterns, ideas, and underlying truths, from the perspective of the subject. Leads to an observer who prefers to see a few relevant abstract notions as they manifest in the world around them. Introverted intuition parses through abstract information according to subjective interest, ignoring possibilities which are irrelevant to the subject. To the introverted intuitive, abstractions are not all equal, and only those that align with the subjects impressions of the world are treated with praise.
Introverted Sensation
Absorbs sensory information from the perspective of the subject, leading to an observer who attaches personal sentiment to sensory information. Sensory information is seen as symbolic of, or related to, some aspect of the subject. To the introverted sensor, pieces of sensory information are representative of associated past experiences.
Extraverted Perception
Just as introverted perceiving functions have a general underlying nature, so do extroverted perceiving functions. Where introverted perceptions prefer to take the perspective of the subject, extroverted perception removes that subjective lens and takes in information as it objectively is. To the extroverted perceiver, perceptions exist independently to them and simply are their surrounding environment. In this way, extroverted perception is fleeting, as there is no subjective attachment made and no particular piece of information being preferred, leading to large amounts of information being gathered, and none of it being held on to.
Extraverted Intuition
Absorbs abstract information as it comes across it and applies no subjective filter; abstract information has no intrinsic value. The object, or ones surrounding environment is seen as a world of possibilities, with patterns, ideas, and underlying truths emerging from all angles and perspectives. To the extroverted intuitive, no abstraction is to peculiar to be entertained (until analyzed by judging function).
Extraverted Sensation
Absorbs sensory information as it comes across it, experiencing it in its concrete, objective form. Ones surrounding environment is simply a physically world, existing as it does in that moment. To the extroverted sensor, sensory information is of no sentiment, and is simply the world they inhabit. To put it simply, this function is the epitome of empiricism.
Introverted Judgment
Since judging functions essentially critique information, introverted judging functions critique information according to the subject. In a way, you could say this type of subjective judgment takes place in a vacuum, detached from the surrounding environment; it simply has to make sense, or feel right to the subject. To the introverted judger, the scrutiny of information is ultimately at their hands, making them the final decider.
Introverted Thinking
Assesses information according to logic as the subject sees fit. To make sense, the information has to be structured as it is understood by the subject; relying on information to be distinct and defined, so it can be catalogued accurately, according to a subjective order. To the introverted thinker, validity is related to a structure within (typically propositional), assessing everything to align with their own understanding of information.
Introverted Feeling
Assesses information according to what is considered of value to the subject. The subjects emotional affect toward information is the ultimate decider of merit; "that disgusts me!", or "I love that". To the introverted feeler, right and wrong or good and bad is personally felt and isn't something to be objectified or even necessarily understood.
Extraverted Judgement
Objective analysis of information. Extroverted judging functions align information with their environment, ultimately looking for that which will lead to results. For the most part, extroverted judgment ignores the process of understanding and prioritizes solutions. To the extroverted judger, the criteria for which information is scrutinized in in the environment around them.
Extraverted Thinking
Assesses information according to the structure of ones surrounding, finding order to be something inherit in their environment. Logical analysis is something found outside of oneself, relying on facts, data, and empirical evidence. To the extroverted thinker, knowledge exists in relation to an externally acquired goal, being used as a tool to achieve.
Extraverted Feeling
Assesses information according to the agreed upon ethics of ones social surroundings. Ultimately, right and wrong, or good and bad, is determined by the consensus of those who make up ones social environment. To the extroverted feeler, value is determined externally and based on mutual agreement, and keeping to this agreement is key to maintaining harmony within the group.
Conclusion
To wrap up, I'd like to address that these definitions are an attempt to isolate each function and highlight its purpose. Essentially, each function has its own specialization, meant to mediate the interactions between awareness and the world. To sum it up, intuition specializes in the perception of truths and meaning; sensation specializes in the perception of the physical and sensory; thinking specializes in evaluation of structure; and feeling specializes in the evaluation of morals and propriety.
Ultimately, to understand the functions in there entirety, you need to understand them in the context of their underlying metaphysics. At the base of Jungian typology is the idea that there exists two worlds: the subjective and the objective. Mediating between these worlds are organisms, which have objective bodies possessed by subjective souls. The functions are simply the ways in which the awareness of an organism can interact with the different aspects of the worlds. The ways in which organisms differ from each other in their worldly interactions leads to individual differences in personality, and we categorize these as types.
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