The Essence of Jungian Functions
I've seen countless people try to define the functions and always miss the point of the definition. This is because instead of defining the essence of the functions, everyone judges them on the traits that are associated with them. So I decided it's time for a no bullshit guide to what the cognitive functions truly are.
In the following I will layout what is essential to the existence of each function; looking at what fundamental qualities distinguishes them from one another. I will start from a comprehensive view, observing the big picture, and work my way down to the specifics, focusing on the distinguishing details. In doing so, I will capture what is at the core of each function, shining light on the substance as opposed to the appearance.
Introversion vs. Extroversion
The first thing to be aware of is the expression in which each function could take: extroverted or introverted. These two expressions are simply directive: extroversion is objective, focused on the object, while introversion is subjective, focused on the subject; but what exactly is the difference between the subject and the object?
Extroversion is focused outward onto or towards the object. So, what is the object? In its whole, the object is physical reality and everything that occurs with in it. So, you could say extroversion is bound by the object or physical reality. Due to the nature of extroversion being bound by physical reality (the object), it is consequently limited by the laws of reality:
* Mathematics- numeric value system
* Physics- laws of physical reality
* Logic- system of reasoning to the truth corresponding to reality
This means that Extroversion is factual, tangible, or OBJECTive. This is why many people relate Te to empiricism and the scientific method; both empiricism and the scientific method are forms of logic (Thinking) focused on what actually happens in physical reality (the object).
Introversion is focused inward or into (or maybe even out of?) the subject. So, again, what is the subject? The subject is the individual, the totality of the mind, or being. While extroversion is limited by the outer world, introversion is only bound by the constraints of which the individual holds on itself. Some of these constraints are, but not limited too:
* Knowledge- obtained information
* Emotions- biological influences on the mind
This means that introversion is personal, individual, or SUBJECTive. This is why people refer to introverted judging functions as "an internal system of", because internal judging functions base information on a subjective criteria, or an internal system.
The Functions
Many misleadingly refer to 8 functions; this is not entirely accurate. In essence, there are 4 functions: Intuition, Sensation, Thinking, and Feeling, all of which can express themselves in one of two ways: extroverted or introverted.
Of the 4 functions we can easily categorize them into two groups: perceiving (Intuition & Sensation), and Judging (Thinking & Feeling). Perceiving functions are simply the function in which we use to absorb and process information of the world. Judging functions analyze and catalogue that information for further understanding and utilization. As you can see, the tension between perceiving and judging functions is minimal; both work together to interpret and discern the world.
So, what is the world? The world is the things that actually exist. This isn't to be confused with physical reality. While physical reality is part of existence, existence is not dependent on physical reality. You could say that physical reality is physical existence or that which exists physically. The other side of existence (the world) is the inner world, or nonphysical reality. This is the world that exists inside ones head, or the mind. To simplify, the world exists in fundamentally one of two ways: materially and physically (outer world), and immaterially and nonphysically (inner world).
Now that we understand the essence of functions in general we can begin to further discern the essence of the functions individually. Again, this could be done quite simply:
* Intuition- unconscious perception
* Sensation- conscious perception
* Thinking- logical analysis
* Feeling- values/ ethical analysis
Intuition vs. Sensation
Intuition is unconscious perception. So, what the hell does that mean? Well, while sensation is conscious perception, information of the world that you can see, hear, feel, and ultimately observe with awareness, intuition is the information that slips by the conscious mind and goes "unrecognized".
Due to its unconscious nature, we are very much unaware of the process of Intuition, which makes it mysterious in general. One way to make better sense of Intuition is to realize how its works come into conscious thought. You could say that unconsciously processed information, once the dots are connected, surfaces to the conscious mind in the form of insights, realizations, and epiphany's; these are the products of Intuition, information that has been consumed, thrown out of the realm of awareness, and processed unconsciously with out the aware mind observing its procedures. This is why people say highly intuitive individuals seem to "just know stuff", it's because they are unaware of how they came to their understandings.
Now, intuition is known for being creative and big picture oriented, exploring the underlying meaning of reality. This is because, while Sensation deals with the concrete, that which has a place in physical reality (this is largely due to language being constructed on what physically exists), Intuition deals with the abstractions, painting a sort of picture through analogy that is symbolic of reality. This makes sense, the unconscious mind is known for its symbolism and archetypical recognition skills; Intuition is the unconscious mind.
So, now, Sensation. Since Intuition is the unconscious perceiving function, Sensation is naturally the conscious one. As said, Sensation is information that you can see, hear, feel, and ultimately observe seemingly "right now". This gives the false impression that Sensation is that of the senses, which is not entirely true, the conscious mind is just highly influenced by sensory information due to the significant power sensory stimuli has over our awareness. While Intuition is analogous and symbolic, Sensation is concrete; this is because conscious thought uses language that is reflective or holding a place in physical reality, the concrete. You could say sensory stimuli clouds or even "blinds" our conscious mind.
In nature, Sensation is that information of the world which you are aware of, or conscious of. It is the information that you observe moment to moment, often pertaining to that of your physical surrounding (sensory stimulation) but not limited to just that; Sensation has the ability to observe both the inner and outer world, your physical and nonphysical "surroundings". Due to the fact that the conscious mind is highly clouded by the senses, most of what we consciously perceive comes in the form this concret language: words, images, concepts, all pertaining to the physical world.
Sensation understands the world as it corresponds with the senses, due to this, it translates its thoughts into a language that reflects the senses, using words as symbols for things that actually exist in the sensory world. While Intuition may see the word "tree" as an expression of life branching out towards the sky, Sensation simply relates "tree" to the observation in which its previously associated "tree" with, which would in most cases be literally a physical tree in the woods. Intuition uses analogy and symbolism to process the abstract; Sensation uses symbols (words, images, concepts, etc.) representative of physical constructs, using sensory information to understand the world; this makes Sensation more literal and concrete as opposed to Intuition.
Hopefully, again, your noticing the little tension between the two. Both functions work together to process information consumed by the world. These functions are very much distinct in essence but still intermingle there perceptive duties, sharing the work capacity. Some minds will prefer to delegate more responsibility to one function than the other but they are very much two cooperative faculties.
Thinking vs. Feeling
Now, we will go over the Judging functions. To analyze or judge the information we perceive of the world, we use Thinking and Feeling. To put it quite simply, Thinking judges information logically, putting the information under the scrutiny of what is 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.
Due to the nature of Thinking, it's criteria is biased on correctness and precision; judgement that is free from error. While Feeling judges information through emotions, what feels right or wrong, Thinking is unswayed by such personal biases and operates on laws of what actually is. 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.
Feeling, on the other hand, is biased by morals and justice; 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?". While Thinking strives for precision and accuracy, Feeling strives for equity and fairness, dissecting information and eliminating it of inappropriate and corrupt beliefs.
Again, you can see, the two Judging functions are very connected. Even attempting to differentiate them through words requires abstractions as the very nature of these functions is to discern the quality of the information.
Sub-Functions
The sub-functions are one of the two ways a function can express itself. As we went over, a function can direct itself towards the outer world, objectively, onto the object (physical reality); or inward towards the inner world, subjectively, towards the subject (the individual). So, you could simply apply this knowledge of expression to the purpose of each function.
Introverted Intuition (Ni): The unconscious perception of information focused on the inner world. Introverted Intuition absorbs information from the world, then processes that information to comprehend the subject. This means that the insights, or the products of Ni, are focused on the subject. Ni unconsciously connects pieces of information on the subject. With the use of symbolism and analogy, Ni paints a picture or forms a vision reflecting the individual, which symbolizes the individuals underlying meaning or purpose. This is why Introverted Intuitive users claim to have a strong vision for themselves (the subject); we define (give meaning to) ones life by establishing what they've done (their purpose) throughout their life. Ni simply envisions the subject with the intent of uncovering this hidden meaning and purpose by laying out an ideal image of ones life.
Extroverted Intuition (Ne): The unconscious perception of information pertaining to the outer world. Extroverted Intuition absorbs information from the world, then processes that information to comprehend the object. This means the insights of Ne are focused on the object, exploring the underlying meaning of the outer world and envisioning the many ways it could be interpreted. This is why Extroverted Intuition users report envisioning all the possible realities, there Intuition is constantly painting a picture of the many possible meanings of the outer world.
Introverted Sensation (Si): The conscious perception of information focused on the inner world. Introverted Sensation absorbs information from the world, then processes that information to understand the subject. While Ni "observes" this subjective information unconsciously, finding meaning through symbolism and analogy, Si observes it with awareness, using the conscious mind to reflect on the individual (the subject). In doing so the information perceived by Si relates to or reflects sensory stimuli, interpreting itself (the subject) through the use sensory or concrete concepts. Due to the concrete nature of Sensation, Si can be seemingly closed minded, because it uses what it knows through routine (sensory stimulation) to understand the subject. This is why Si users are known to be self aware, and nurturing of themselves; the conscious awareness is focused on them, but it focuses on them in a way that is concrete, noticing not an underlying meaning like Ni, but a physical understanding of "what I'm experiencing right now". This allows Si users to be highly aware of there state of mind, body, and overall health.
Extroverted Sensation (Se): The conscious perception of information pertaining to the outer world. Extroverted Sensation absorbs information from the world, then processes that information to understand the object. Se is awareness focused on the world around, physical reality. While Ne explore the many possible underlying meanings of the surrounding world, Se is concrete, perceiving the outer world through the senses, seeing strictly what is tangible. While Ne explains the outer world, Se observes it happening. This is why Se users are notably in the present, what we define as the present moment is what is happening right now in physical reality; Se is fully tuned into this, it's primary goal being to observe the world around the individual, the object, physical reality. Of all the function Extroverted Sensation is the most empirical.
Introverted Thinking (Ti): The inward directed, logical evaluation of perceived information. Focused on the subject, Ti scrutinizes information alongside a subjective criteria. Due to its introverted nature, logic doesn't have to correspond with the outer world as long as it makes sense to the individual (the subject). Since Ti isn't bound by the outer world, it's logic is boundless, having no laws to limit its validity besides those permitted by the subject themselves; this is what makes Ti more theoretical opposed to Te.
Extroverted Thinking (Te): The outward directed, logical evaluation of perceived information. Focused on the object, Te scrutinizes information alongside an objective criteria. Due to its extroverted nature, logic must correspond with the perceived reality (the object). Since Te is bound by the outer world, it's logic must be factual, tangible, and corresponding to physical reality; this is what makes Te functional and practical in the outer world, it's logic is simply within the realms of the outer world.
Introverted Feeling (Fi): The inward directed, ethical evaluation of perceived information. Focused on the subject, Fi scrutinizes information alongside a subjective criteria. Due to it introverted nature, ethics don't have to correspond with the outer world as long as the individual (the subject) feels it is just. Since Fi isn't bounded by the outer world, it's principles are of personal values, not being limited by the social laws existing within the physical world, giving Fi users a sense of self-righteousness.
Extroverted Feeling (Fe): The outward directed, ethical evaluation of perceived information. Focused on the object, Fe scrutinizes information alongside an objective criteria. Due to its extroverted nature, it's ethics must correspond with the perceived reality (the object). Since Fe is bound by physical reality, it's ethics must be universal, harmonious, and corresponding with the social laws existing within the physical world. The harmonious element of Fe is what gives it the attribute of compassion, as it seeks to do what is right for all, being altruistic and nurturing.
Conclusion
My goal in this was to define the functions with as little adherence to the personality traits and characteristics that are commonly associated with them as possible, consequently, shining light on the essence of each individual function. While these definitions may not be perfect, I think it's direction is more accurate than the definitions heavily relying on traits and characteristics that are indirectly associated with each function.
Jung's Functions were created as a tool to further understand personality, which they can to some degree, but I think they're much better suited to further understand the mind in general. Jung's Functions are more of a taxonomic model of the mind than they are a tool for typology. Each function labels an observable mental faculty of the mind, allowing us to better categorize and label the activities of the mind.
Now, the way one perceives and judges the world does affect personality, but that influence is indirect. Still by using the functions for what they are, a taxonomic model of the mind, we can still gain great insight on ourselves and others. In conclusion, the cognitive functions are certainly not a trait typology model, and using it this way can be inaccurate.
One last note: A few times I pointed out that the "tension" in the dichotomy between functions was weak, and these functions that are typical seen as opposing each other actually cooperate and work together to achieve a common goal. This is because the dichotomies are a illusion. A better way to describe the dichotomies would be that they are a creative outlook on the mind to discern and categorize distinct abilities of that mind.
When introducing a dichotomy, for instance, perceiving vs. judging, you create two separate entities that you can explore independent of each other and further define. These dichotomies are what allow us to compartmentalize the mind into 4 (or 8 depending on your perspective) distinct functions. But in reality, the mind is one cohesive whole; while individuals will delegate greater responsibility to certain functions, all the functions work together to achieve the same goal: perceiving, judging, and ultimately understanding the world.
I've seen countless people try to define the functions and always miss the point of the definition. This is because instead of defining the essence of the functions, everyone judges them on the traits that are associated with them. So I decided it's time for a no bullshit guide to what the cognitive functions truly are.
In the following I will layout what is essential to the existence of each function; looking at what fundamental qualities distinguishes them from one another. I will start from a comprehensive view, observing the big picture, and work my way down to the specifics, focusing on the distinguishing details. In doing so, I will capture what is at the core of each function, shining light on the substance as opposed to the appearance.
Introversion vs. Extroversion
The first thing to be aware of is the expression in which each function could take: extroverted or introverted. These two expressions are simply directive: extroversion is objective, focused on the object, while introversion is subjective, focused on the subject; but what exactly is the difference between the subject and the object?
Extroversion is focused outward onto or towards the object. So, what is the object? In its whole, the object is physical reality and everything that occurs with in it. So, you could say extroversion is bound by the object or physical reality. Due to the nature of extroversion being bound by physical reality (the object), it is consequently limited by the laws of reality:
* Mathematics- numeric value system
* Physics- laws of physical reality
* Logic- system of reasoning to the truth corresponding to reality
This means that Extroversion is factual, tangible, or OBJECTive. This is why many people relate Te to empiricism and the scientific method; both empiricism and the scientific method are forms of logic (Thinking) focused on what actually happens in physical reality (the object).
Introversion is focused inward or into (or maybe even out of?) the subject. So, again, what is the subject? The subject is the individual, the totality of the mind, or being. While extroversion is limited by the outer world, introversion is only bound by the constraints of which the individual holds on itself. Some of these constraints are, but not limited too:
* Knowledge- obtained information
* Emotions- biological influences on the mind
This means that introversion is personal, individual, or SUBJECTive. This is why people refer to introverted judging functions as "an internal system of", because internal judging functions base information on a subjective criteria, or an internal system.
The Functions
Many misleadingly refer to 8 functions; this is not entirely accurate. In essence, there are 4 functions: Intuition, Sensation, Thinking, and Feeling, all of which can express themselves in one of two ways: extroverted or introverted.
Of the 4 functions we can easily categorize them into two groups: perceiving (Intuition & Sensation), and Judging (Thinking & Feeling). Perceiving functions are simply the function in which we use to absorb and process information of the world. Judging functions analyze and catalogue that information for further understanding and utilization. As you can see, the tension between perceiving and judging functions is minimal; both work together to interpret and discern the world.
So, what is the world? The world is the things that actually exist. This isn't to be confused with physical reality. While physical reality is part of existence, existence is not dependent on physical reality. You could say that physical reality is physical existence or that which exists physically. The other side of existence (the world) is the inner world, or nonphysical reality. This is the world that exists inside ones head, or the mind. To simplify, the world exists in fundamentally one of two ways: materially and physically (outer world), and immaterially and nonphysically (inner world).
Now that we understand the essence of functions in general we can begin to further discern the essence of the functions individually. Again, this could be done quite simply:
* Intuition- unconscious perception
* Sensation- conscious perception
* Thinking- logical analysis
* Feeling- values/ ethical analysis
Intuition vs. Sensation
Intuition is unconscious perception. So, what the hell does that mean? Well, while sensation is conscious perception, information of the world that you can see, hear, feel, and ultimately observe with awareness, intuition is the information that slips by the conscious mind and goes "unrecognized".
Due to its unconscious nature, we are very much unaware of the process of Intuition, which makes it mysterious in general. One way to make better sense of Intuition is to realize how its works come into conscious thought. You could say that unconsciously processed information, once the dots are connected, surfaces to the conscious mind in the form of insights, realizations, and epiphany's; these are the products of Intuition, information that has been consumed, thrown out of the realm of awareness, and processed unconsciously with out the aware mind observing its procedures. This is why people say highly intuitive individuals seem to "just know stuff", it's because they are unaware of how they came to their understandings.
Now, intuition is known for being creative and big picture oriented, exploring the underlying meaning of reality. This is because, while Sensation deals with the concrete, that which has a place in physical reality (this is largely due to language being constructed on what physically exists), Intuition deals with the abstractions, painting a sort of picture through analogy that is symbolic of reality. This makes sense, the unconscious mind is known for its symbolism and archetypical recognition skills; Intuition is the unconscious mind.
So, now, Sensation. Since Intuition is the unconscious perceiving function, Sensation is naturally the conscious one. As said, Sensation is information that you can see, hear, feel, and ultimately observe seemingly "right now". This gives the false impression that Sensation is that of the senses, which is not entirely true, the conscious mind is just highly influenced by sensory information due to the significant power sensory stimuli has over our awareness. While Intuition is analogous and symbolic, Sensation is concrete; this is because conscious thought uses language that is reflective or holding a place in physical reality, the concrete. You could say sensory stimuli clouds or even "blinds" our conscious mind.
In nature, Sensation is that information of the world which you are aware of, or conscious of. It is the information that you observe moment to moment, often pertaining to that of your physical surrounding (sensory stimulation) but not limited to just that; Sensation has the ability to observe both the inner and outer world, your physical and nonphysical "surroundings". Due to the fact that the conscious mind is highly clouded by the senses, most of what we consciously perceive comes in the form this concret language: words, images, concepts, all pertaining to the physical world.
Sensation understands the world as it corresponds with the senses, due to this, it translates its thoughts into a language that reflects the senses, using words as symbols for things that actually exist in the sensory world. While Intuition may see the word "tree" as an expression of life branching out towards the sky, Sensation simply relates "tree" to the observation in which its previously associated "tree" with, which would in most cases be literally a physical tree in the woods. Intuition uses analogy and symbolism to process the abstract; Sensation uses symbols (words, images, concepts, etc.) representative of physical constructs, using sensory information to understand the world; this makes Sensation more literal and concrete as opposed to Intuition.
Hopefully, again, your noticing the little tension between the two. Both functions work together to process information consumed by the world. These functions are very much distinct in essence but still intermingle there perceptive duties, sharing the work capacity. Some minds will prefer to delegate more responsibility to one function than the other but they are very much two cooperative faculties.
Thinking vs. Feeling
Now, we will go over the Judging functions. To analyze or judge the information we perceive of the world, we use Thinking and Feeling. To put it quite simply, Thinking judges information logically, putting the information under the scrutiny of what is 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.
Due to the nature of Thinking, it's criteria is biased on correctness and precision; judgement that is free from error. While Feeling judges information through emotions, what feels right or wrong, Thinking is unswayed by such personal biases and operates on laws of what actually is. 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.
Feeling, on the other hand, is biased by morals and justice; 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?". While Thinking strives for precision and accuracy, Feeling strives for equity and fairness, dissecting information and eliminating it of inappropriate and corrupt beliefs.
Again, you can see, the two Judging functions are very connected. Even attempting to differentiate them through words requires abstractions as the very nature of these functions is to discern the quality of the information.
Sub-Functions
The sub-functions are one of the two ways a function can express itself. As we went over, a function can direct itself towards the outer world, objectively, onto the object (physical reality); or inward towards the inner world, subjectively, towards the subject (the individual). So, you could simply apply this knowledge of expression to the purpose of each function.
Introverted Intuition (Ni): The unconscious perception of information focused on the inner world. Introverted Intuition absorbs information from the world, then processes that information to comprehend the subject. This means that the insights, or the products of Ni, are focused on the subject. Ni unconsciously connects pieces of information on the subject. With the use of symbolism and analogy, Ni paints a picture or forms a vision reflecting the individual, which symbolizes the individuals underlying meaning or purpose. This is why Introverted Intuitive users claim to have a strong vision for themselves (the subject); we define (give meaning to) ones life by establishing what they've done (their purpose) throughout their life. Ni simply envisions the subject with the intent of uncovering this hidden meaning and purpose by laying out an ideal image of ones life.
Extroverted Intuition (Ne): The unconscious perception of information pertaining to the outer world. Extroverted Intuition absorbs information from the world, then processes that information to comprehend the object. This means the insights of Ne are focused on the object, exploring the underlying meaning of the outer world and envisioning the many ways it could be interpreted. This is why Extroverted Intuition users report envisioning all the possible realities, there Intuition is constantly painting a picture of the many possible meanings of the outer world.
Introverted Sensation (Si): The conscious perception of information focused on the inner world. Introverted Sensation absorbs information from the world, then processes that information to understand the subject. While Ni "observes" this subjective information unconsciously, finding meaning through symbolism and analogy, Si observes it with awareness, using the conscious mind to reflect on the individual (the subject). In doing so the information perceived by Si relates to or reflects sensory stimuli, interpreting itself (the subject) through the use sensory or concrete concepts. Due to the concrete nature of Sensation, Si can be seemingly closed minded, because it uses what it knows through routine (sensory stimulation) to understand the subject. This is why Si users are known to be self aware, and nurturing of themselves; the conscious awareness is focused on them, but it focuses on them in a way that is concrete, noticing not an underlying meaning like Ni, but a physical understanding of "what I'm experiencing right now". This allows Si users to be highly aware of there state of mind, body, and overall health.
Extroverted Sensation (Se): The conscious perception of information pertaining to the outer world. Extroverted Sensation absorbs information from the world, then processes that information to understand the object. Se is awareness focused on the world around, physical reality. While Ne explore the many possible underlying meanings of the surrounding world, Se is concrete, perceiving the outer world through the senses, seeing strictly what is tangible. While Ne explains the outer world, Se observes it happening. This is why Se users are notably in the present, what we define as the present moment is what is happening right now in physical reality; Se is fully tuned into this, it's primary goal being to observe the world around the individual, the object, physical reality. Of all the function Extroverted Sensation is the most empirical.
Introverted Thinking (Ti): The inward directed, logical evaluation of perceived information. Focused on the subject, Ti scrutinizes information alongside a subjective criteria. Due to its introverted nature, logic doesn't have to correspond with the outer world as long as it makes sense to the individual (the subject). Since Ti isn't bound by the outer world, it's logic is boundless, having no laws to limit its validity besides those permitted by the subject themselves; this is what makes Ti more theoretical opposed to Te.
Extroverted Thinking (Te): The outward directed, logical evaluation of perceived information. Focused on the object, Te scrutinizes information alongside an objective criteria. Due to its extroverted nature, logic must correspond with the perceived reality (the object). Since Te is bound by the outer world, it's logic must be factual, tangible, and corresponding to physical reality; this is what makes Te functional and practical in the outer world, it's logic is simply within the realms of the outer world.
Introverted Feeling (Fi): The inward directed, ethical evaluation of perceived information. Focused on the subject, Fi scrutinizes information alongside a subjective criteria. Due to it introverted nature, ethics don't have to correspond with the outer world as long as the individual (the subject) feels it is just. Since Fi isn't bounded by the outer world, it's principles are of personal values, not being limited by the social laws existing within the physical world, giving Fi users a sense of self-righteousness.
Extroverted Feeling (Fe): The outward directed, ethical evaluation of perceived information. Focused on the object, Fe scrutinizes information alongside an objective criteria. Due to its extroverted nature, it's ethics must correspond with the perceived reality (the object). Since Fe is bound by physical reality, it's ethics must be universal, harmonious, and corresponding with the social laws existing within the physical world. The harmonious element of Fe is what gives it the attribute of compassion, as it seeks to do what is right for all, being altruistic and nurturing.
Conclusion
My goal in this was to define the functions with as little adherence to the personality traits and characteristics that are commonly associated with them as possible, consequently, shining light on the essence of each individual function. While these definitions may not be perfect, I think it's direction is more accurate than the definitions heavily relying on traits and characteristics that are indirectly associated with each function.
Jung's Functions were created as a tool to further understand personality, which they can to some degree, but I think they're much better suited to further understand the mind in general. Jung's Functions are more of a taxonomic model of the mind than they are a tool for typology. Each function labels an observable mental faculty of the mind, allowing us to better categorize and label the activities of the mind.
Now, the way one perceives and judges the world does affect personality, but that influence is indirect. Still by using the functions for what they are, a taxonomic model of the mind, we can still gain great insight on ourselves and others. In conclusion, the cognitive functions are certainly not a trait typology model, and using it this way can be inaccurate.
One last note: A few times I pointed out that the "tension" in the dichotomy between functions was weak, and these functions that are typical seen as opposing each other actually cooperate and work together to achieve a common goal. This is because the dichotomies are a illusion. A better way to describe the dichotomies would be that they are a creative outlook on the mind to discern and categorize distinct abilities of that mind.
When introducing a dichotomy, for instance, perceiving vs. judging, you create two separate entities that you can explore independent of each other and further define. These dichotomies are what allow us to compartmentalize the mind into 4 (or 8 depending on your perspective) distinct functions. But in reality, the mind is one cohesive whole; while individuals will delegate greater responsibility to certain functions, all the functions work together to achieve the same goal: perceiving, judging, and ultimately understanding the world.
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