I'm stuck between confirming whether or not I'm INTJ or ISTJ.
My questions are:
- What are the differences between Ni and Si as dominant functions?
- How do both Se and Ne manifest as inferior functions?
Both Si and Ni are ways of trying to understand the way the world works. Si tends to me more concerned with the solid question "Why do you think this will work?" Ni revolves around the more etherial question of "Why are you doing this at all?"
In the prime position, both functions seek to control their respective areas. Si will encourage the auxillary judging function to pick the path that is most liable to bring success, and demands planty of proof that victory is probable before it is happy to set off. This is why Si is associated with cautious behaviour and being concerned with what has gone before (what has already been shown to work appeals to Si).
Ni will seek to control the "why" question, asking "Why can't we do it like this?" or "why can't things be like this instead?" THis is why Ni is associated with trying to bring about change and odd behaviour. INJs frequently question and reject many of the basic assumptions that most people hold about life, making their motivations hard to understand. Especially in us INTJs, because we can't be bothered to explain it to anyone.
Both the extroverted percieving functions are associated with an urge to experiment and explore. Having them in the inferior position means that ITJs are rather in danger of turning into a bunch of grey faced stick in the muds, if the are not careful.
Ne is a link to the world of ideas and concepts, creating an urge to explore the world and how it relates to them. ISTJs often reject this, refusing to see the worth in new ideas until well proven and rejecting such behaviour as silly or unworthy. Inferior Ne often manifests as a suspicion of the new, or an inability to change tracks and get out of rut.
Inferior Se causes a rejection of directly participating in things, causing INJs to hang back and just watch, perhaps directing but not getting involved. When the inferior lashes out, it often comes with bouts of physical esses, be it eating, drinking or exercising. It can also be seen as periodic bouts of urge indulgance, such as trying to get people to do something, for no reason other than to see if you can do it.