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Architect, Engineer or Designer?

Preferred totem name for the INTP

  • Architect

    Votes: 36 40.0%
  • Engineer

    Votes: 11 12.2%
  • Designer

    Votes: 13 14.4%
  • Other

    Votes: 30 33.3%

  • Total voters
    90

Architect

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Question for INTP's only please

These are the names I've seen for the type. Architect is most common, engineer next, and Kiersey proposed Designer in his recent Personology book.

Which do you prefer?

Any suggestions for a new name? What shall we call ourselves?
 

7even

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The Wanderer...
...The Thinker
The Oddity...
...The Physically Idle
The (detached) Analyst...
...The Bedlamite
The Realist...
...The Masked
The Natural Philosopher...
...The Scientist
The Evolved... ;)
...The Least Likely to be Killed during an Alien Invasion

P.S. I don't really dig any of the titles given on the poll; doesn't vibe.
 

pjoa09

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I chose engineer but I think the best would be Standardization's Worst Enemy.
 

H1N1

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I think your description should mention that only INTPs should vote.
 

EyeSeeCold

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I think all of the names(MBTI, Keirsey, etc) are vague because of too much idealization.

I tried myself before but I'm guilty of systematizing instead of looking at each type individually. This is what I had came up with for the INs, plus ENT:

TiNe = Intuitive Analyst / analyzes situations with extensive and global insight.
NiTe = Logical Observer / observes the world through the lens of logic
NiFe = Ethical Observer / observes the world through the lens of ethics
FiNe = Intuitive Philanthropist / donates to causes with an extensive and global focus


TiNe = Logical Idealist / upholds ideals in the name of logical progress
NiTe = Intuitive Engineer / abstractly engineers the environment in a hands-off manner
NiFe = Intuitive Illustrator / illustrates the inner mental and spiritual self
FiNe = Ethical Idealist / upholds ideals in the name of ethical progress


NeTi = Logical Explorer / explores the boundaries of logical reality
TeNi = Logical Mentor / Mentors people according to logical standards
 

Cognisant

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INTJ: The Scientist

INTP: The Philosopher

ENTP: The Inventor

ENTJ: The Politician (maybe? I haven't much experience with them)

INFP: The one that stops all the above from trying to kill each other.

A designer is more of an artistic role, likewise insofar as an architect is not an engineer they're an artist and philosopher*.

*: In the sense that designing a space for people to use involves understanding the sort of people who will be using it in a very broad way, their culture, their lifestyle, their psychology to some extent, whatever's relevant, so designing a space is not so much a matter of answering a question as it is understanding what sort of question needs to be asked; what is relevant?
 

Architect

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A designer is more of an artistic role, likewise insofar as an architect is not an engineer they're an artist and philosopher

Kiersey goes into a long description of why Designer, and also digs into the roots and synonyms of words to choose this one. I wouldn't have picked it either, but when I see my INTP kid endlessly making new lego creations I wonder. The sensor kids will make something from real life like a truck or a guitar, my kid makes things more from the imagination.


I chose engineer but I think the best would be Standardization's Worst Enemy.

Engineer always struck me as odd, even though I am one. Maybe because I've known thousands of engineers and have only found one other INTP. Most of them are ISXX, yes there are even many ISFX. Not strong on theory or problem solving, but surprisingly the S attention to detail allows them to get by.

The Realist...
...The Masked
...The Scientist

Hrr, these seem unlikely. For The Scientist - that's the INTJ.
 

Kuu

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I think no names for the type should be given, because it too easily leads to even more confusing stereotyping than what is already present in typology. What one person knows/understands/perceives an Architect/Engineer/Designer to be is certainly to be different from others, particularly today when the work of Architects and Designers is portrayed popularly far different from the reality of it.

Still, forced to choose I still prefer Architect. If one seeks what the meaning of 'architectonics' one could find such things as "the structural arrangement or makeup of a system", "the system of structure", "the unifying structural design of something", "The scientific systematization of knowledge" and I think the Architectural similarity is extremely appropriate, in the sense that an architect is supposed to work with a complex system at both broad and detailed scales and coherently integrating a multiplicity of disciplines to solve a variety of compounded problems, must bring disparate knowledge of statics, materials, industrial production, construction, economics, ecology, history, 'art', philosophy, anthropology/sociology and psychology into a single logical whole by the synthesizing process of design. Is this not what the Ti-Ne attempts to do, the understanding of systems, and the creation of systems for understanding? Is this not the same reason terms such as Computer Architecture or Software Architecture have chosen the term, to emphasize the complexity of the task, as opposed to the non-specific term Design (which at times can be very simple). Maybe the word 'Engineer' is presently understood as focusing on mathematics and science and clearly defined methodologies to the exclusion of the more social and philosophical and intuitive aspects of 'Design' in general, and in such a way could be inappropriate for the wide range of interests the INTP type exhibits.

One could argue forever about nuances, connotations, and the etymologies of these three words, all of which are interrelated. Before the 18th century strong distinction between architects and engineers (and generalized compartmentalization of fields of knowledge) due to the industrial revolution, which came to redefine both words in the way we now understand, there was much overlap between fields that today are (perhaps erroneously) separate. If one goes back to the origin of the word 'Architect', from Vitruvius' De architectura, one would see that the book not only deals with buildings but with many things that would be considered structural, civil, and mechanical engineering or other sciences nowadays, including such things as aqueducts, drainage systems, siege engines, heating systems, astronomical observations, geometric/mathematic principles and other mechanical things such as cranes and water wheels and Archimedes' screws. In fact it is the source of the story of Archimedes' Eureka! moment in his bathtub. In other words, the whole conception of the 'Renaissance Man' / Polymath was in several ways deeply influenced by the Roman conception of the 'Architect' as portrayed by Vitruvius, and indeed many of the great thinkers of that era were closer to that idea of 'Architect' than what is commonly understood today.

Having written all that, perhaps the word Polymath could prove most useful, and I have certainly seen it used, though it might garner accusations of pretentiousness. (Googling Intp polymath will actually have this forum as the first result. Incidentally, Intp polyamory puts us in the third ((it was an autocomplete suggestion))
 

ℜεмїηїs¢εη¢ε

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I like "The Natural Philosopher" over things like "Architect" or "Engineer" since those things seem boring to me, things I will probably never do. Maybe I'd like to draw the blueprints for a skyscraper in New York once, but not for a living.
 

Architect

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I like "The Natural Philosopher" over things like "Architect" or "Engineer" since those things seem boring to me, things I will probably never do. Maybe I'd like to draw the blueprints for a skyscraper in New York once, but not for a living.

Architecture comes in many forms. I wouldn't want to be a building architect, but I love being a software architect. Philosophy never interested me frankly, seems too pointless. We've accomplished more in 100 years of physics than a 1000 years of philosophy.

Anyhow architecture and INTPism is summed up by the following

any pursuit requiring architecture of ideas intrigues this type
 

ℜεмїηїs¢εη¢ε

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Architecture comes in many forms. I wouldn't want to be a building architect, but I love being a software architect. Philosophy never interested me frankly, seems too pointless. We've accomplished more in 100 years of physics than a 1000 years of philosophy.

Anyhow architecture and INTPism is summed up by the following

Meh, I attempted programming for a few months but I just found it too boring... I don't know if I'm interested in any kind of architecture. Yeah, philosophy is pointless but so is everything.
 

Dapper Dan

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Thinker.

All the other choices are just beating around the bush. They all imply an end product, which is simply not important to the INTP. We learn to make ourselves productive because we have to, but it's definitely not our natural state.

Yes, it's somewhat presumptuous to name your type after one of the functions. But, frankly, it's what we do, and we do it best.
 

H1N1

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Oh my gosh. I misunderstood this thread entirely.

I think it should be type only. ESTJs are ESTJs, INTPs are INTPs, etc... etc...
 

Words

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I dislike Keirsey, but the purpose of this thread is to find some RL everyday metaphor, yes? I would probably go with something that connects deconstruction-creation-relation-deduction-logic systemization.

Architect is convoluted with too many meanings. While "Software Architect" does possess all of the things I mentioned, building architecture does not. The building version is mainly about aesthetics.

Engineer is also divided. If you're talking about innovative engineering and inventing new things, then it has all mentioned processes. But Engineering is also commonly understood as following established rules, processes and methods(Te)---providing no room for creativity and novel systemizations. The learning of engineering is also unfitting because it is conventional(Je) and not objectively reflecting reality(Ti-Ne-Si).

Designer has the same problems with Architect. No "T", just "N."

Analyst lacks the "N."

Philosopher and Scientist works. Because it is about attempting to understand reality(Ti-Ne-Si) in its most objective/isolated state. The actualities of physical and metaphysical/logical laws are independent and not based on convention. There is actual discovery. (Ni-Te-Se) and (Ni-Ti-Se) are also present here though.

I chose deconstruction(Ti)-creation(Ne)-relation(Ne)-deduction(Ti-Ne-Si)-Logic systemization(Ti-Ne-Si), because erm...well it's there. These processes are very close to the functions themselves.
 

Silphiums

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I like the Wizard, personally. It was one of the first INTP descriptions I read. I guess you always have a soft spot for your first.

I also find it interesting that (nerd alert) in England the first Harry Potter book was the Philosopher's Stone, and over here in the states it was translated to Sorcerer's... That speaks to me too, because if there were a word that combined philosopher and sorcerer that'd be what I would chose.

Not because I think we have super powers or anything, but I think we have the potential for intuitive deep understandings of universal workings that others cannot grasp.
 

DreamMancer

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I am not wild about any of these. Perhaps the Absent-Minded Professor? :P
 

SLushhYYY

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Im an engineering major.

However, I believe that my brain loves knowledge about the human brain, along with philosophy and psychology.

My ultimate dream job would be to design integrated circuits that could be implanted in neural connections.
 

MsAnthropy_Indefatigably

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I GOT IT!
I just had this thought today as I was trying to determine how to better re-serve the leftovers we were having tonight!

Macgyver!

I always find I am very resourceful about how I use things or how I create things out of nothing. I can take butter spray and see it as a great WD40 replacement. I can take 7 random ingredients and make a meal.... and make JUST enough of that meal for everyone.... I can have $5.33 in my bank account and still manage to get to work for 3 days and give my son money for jeans day. It's a gift I am sure a lot of INTP's share. Especially the ones that live way too close to their means as I do.
 

INeedToPee

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the ponderers, perhaps? since essentially what we do is ponder (Ti+Ne)
or philosopher (since philosophy comes from a Greek word that means "love of wisdom")

the other ones (architect, designer, engineer) are too specific for my taste and doesn't really represent our cognitive functions well enough imo
 

redbaron

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Thinker.

More than any other type, we like to simply think about things. It doesn't matter to us if we can implement something, we're often content just to think of it. I can't really think of any other type who gets as much enjoyment/satisfaction over simply entertaining and turning over ideas within their own heads.
 

Architect

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I'm happiest when I'm problem solving. The type of problem solving I like best is when it involves design - such as designing a plan, figuring out an investment strategy, or especially designing/architecting a software program.

I see the same thing in my INTP kid. In his case he is happiest playing a RPG imaginative problem solving game, or one of those games where you design a machine to solve some problem (like the Bad Piggies game).
 

perihelia

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I think that there could be lots of names. Unfortunately, you can only have one (official) name. I'm proposing System Architect, as one word does not provide enough clarity. "System," in the simplest terms, means an abstract field. If you look at the Wikipedia page for system, it practically shouts INTP. As for the word "architect," it originally meant, "chief builder" in Greek. Thus, System Architect would mean "chief builder of abstract fields," which for me would be very accurate.
 

Solitaire U.

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The choices seem rather idealistic. I don't really see myself as any of them, but at the same time, I recognize elements of all of them in my modus operandi.

If I had to apply a label, it would be something like "System Navigator". I'm far more interested in discovering streamlined/optimized routes through systems than in merely designing or building them. In other words, I prefer continuous flow to start-finish, because even when I know where to start, I have little understanding of the concept of completion.

So I'm not an INTP then?
 

scorpiomover

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I choose:

Analyst

It sums up what we like to do the most, and adequately indicates the benefits of what we do.
 

John_Mann

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Wow I did not knew Keirsey begin to call INTP's by designer. I always preferred designer than architect. Even when INTP are referred to architect, Oscar Niemeyer comes to my mind.

And INTJ I like to call inventor or schemer. And ENFJ is a social architect to me.
 

John_Mann

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I choose:

Analyst

It sums up what we like to do the most, and adequately indicates the benefits of what we do.

Yeah, analyst is perfect too.
 

DelusiveNinja

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I have to agree with the analyst or the thinker. More so the thinker for a reason that Kuu pointed out.
 

walfin

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Sorry, I voted before I read the OP. I voted Other.
 

Synthetix

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For INTP: Theorist


Engineer seems ENTJ.
 

Nerosaka

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In the realm of thought, INTPs are the explorers/cartographers. We often choose to get lost in thought because it always seems like an adventure. When we find reality again we often have a story to tell that explains where we've been (mapping out our thought process and personal discoveries).

However, I can't seem to come up with a name for this.
 

Architect

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Engineer seems ENTJ.

ENTJ "Field Marshall" is better. They are good at organizational structure. Engineers are loners for the most part. Google engineers are such loners that the company purposefully designs the building to encourage them to interact.
 

INsTeP

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Where does "Mentat" fit in, I wonder?
 

DIALECTIC

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Quite simply: the analyst OR the theorist.
 

Lucifer van Satan

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INTP: The Thinker

No matter whether we are philosophers, architects, engineers, thinking is basically what we are made to do.
Analyzing is only the part of that, how many of us also enjoy creating systems?
 

DIALECTIC

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INTP: The Thinker

No matter whether we are philosophers, architects, engineers, thinking is basically what we are made to do.
Analyzing is only the part of that, how many of us also enjoy creating systems?
Dunno others but i am far better at optimizing already existing systems as long as i do believe passionately in them that is !
I did create systems in the past, when younger, but my own unbounded / Immature emotions always sabotaged them in the end... Or maybe they had become such unbalanced (ir?)rational monstrosities that it was for the better !
However each system gave me the basis / material / know how / data to create the next one which yet had no direct connection with whatsoever !


My INTJ friend is however made to create superior / visionary systems... However he doesn't take the human factor in consideration... I think that's when INTPs come along to correct and point out issues with Te systems and if we are not allowed we will then hack them to exploit their vulnerabilities...

The way i see it INTJs seek to materialize ideas / spirit, while us INTPs seek to idealize / spiritualize matter ! The Yang / Yin of Tao...
 

Teax

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Scientist - is all about the data. do INTPs even care about data?
Engineer - is definetly not it, too tangible. Se and Ni seem to be needed there, not necessarily in that order. INTPs are more software people.
Designer - sounds too artistic but goes in the right direction.
Architect - sounds like the right balance of elegance and structure.

...Conceptualizer...Idea Catalyst...
 

k9b4

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Philosopher, maybe architect - thinker works too

I like philosopher or thinker the most

Bear in mind though I have absolutely no idea what type I am. I identify most with the INTP descriptions that people write.

I don't even know what the fuck MBTI is.
 

OrLevitate

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I VOTED aRCHITECT IS BEST EVER GG REKT E Z C U L84
 

Armature_Sally

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Compulsive idea surgeons
 

Architect

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Scientist - is all about the data. do INTPs even care about data?
Engineer - is definetly not it, too tangible. Se and Ni seem to be needed there, not necessarily in that order. INTPs are more software people.
Designer - sounds too artistic but goes in the right direction.
Architect - sounds like the right balance of elegance and structure.

...Conceptualizer...Idea Catalyst...

Good summary. Idea Catalyst would be more the Ne dominant ENTP I think.

Scientist is much more the INTJ

Designer is more of the ISFP artisan direction

Engineer - probably describes the ISTJ better.

Architect is best. The designer of systems but not so much the implementor.
 

Cherry Cola

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Thinker.

More than any other type, we like to simply think about things. It doesn't matter to us if we can implement something, we're often content just to think of it. I can't really think of any other type who gets as much enjoyment/satisfaction over simply entertaining and turning over ideas within their own heads.

Man you can't be no INTP, you's INFJ man.
 

redbaron

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I'm lots of things :cat:
 
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