Dominant-Inferior Function Dynamics: Healthy vs. Unhealthy

[Architect]

Dominant-Inferior Function Dynamics: Healthy vs. Unhealthy

Despite being largely unconscious, the inferior function can be seen as informing and influencing the dominant function. Since it has its own set of needs and desires, the inferior refuses to allow its voice to go unheard. We might imagine the inferior as projecting its contents across the sea of the subconscious, hoping that at least some of its message will be heard and heeded.

In addition to relaying its judgments or perceptions, the inferior may also exert its influence by serving as a sort of goal or idealized endpoint for each type. As the complement to the dominant function, the inferior carries the promise of greater psychic balance and wholeness. This is why people often report experiences with their inferior as magic or ecstatic.

INTPs and ISTPs, for instance, are informed, motivated, and vaguely oriented by their inferior function, Extraverted Feeling (Fe). Through its distaste for interpersonal discord, for instance, their Fe may prompt them to employ their dominant function, Introverted Thinking (Ti), to better understand and provide logical answers to problems related to the human condition (Fe). The orienting role of their Fe can explain why many INTPs are more drawn psychology, philosophy, religion, etc., than they are to inorganic sciences or engineering.

Near the end is a discussion of "jumping the stack", where a person panders to their inferior directly rather than playing in their proper functional stack. The example for ITP's is "Helping/advising/teaching people directly (Fe)" - beautiful. I've always fallen flat on my face when I try to help people directly. Instead he suggests to "Use powers of inner logic (Ti) in ways that indirectly influence human betterment (Fe)".

 

[own8ge]

I'm bored, and I thought about your post name: Healthy vs. Unhealthy
Then I got curious: What would they mean with that? wtf?
So I read your thread but that didn't answer the question.
I think I will have to read the whole page (the link). But cmon, not now! I'm to bored for that; I would require some excitement..

 

[own8ge]

Spoiler

I have a weird kind of humor ,

Spoiler

Yes. I had to post this in a new comment, otherwise I'd kill my unfunny joke

 

[Coolydudey]

I was going to devote this entirely to commenting on the immaturity of what just preceded, but whatever. Where would we be without a little immaturity?

On the other hand, @Atchitect, I really encourage you to keep posting these, I for one find them very interesting.

 

[Silphiums]

Hmmm, I'm not sure I understand or agree with what is listed under the label of 'unhealthy' or unsustainable means of satisfying the inferior for ITPs. Primarily the teaching directly aspect. Perhaps there is some nuance in the 'teaching directly' part that I don't get, but while I would agree that 'advising' is something I don't enjoy, I've found teaching to be quite fulfilling and would even call it, for me, a life's purpose.

 

[own8ge]

I was going to devote this entirely to commenting on the immaturity of what just preceded, but whatever. Where would we be without a little immaturity?

On the other hand, @Atchitect, I really encourage you to keep posting these, I for one find them very interesting.

A child will likely perceive its parent's to be immature: "If I would be a parent, no way I will do such nonsense!"
The parent will then most probably argue his kid to be immature for thinking like that.
The Grandfather however, sits in bed laughing; Pretending to be childish and ignorant.

 

[IdeasNotTheProblem]

"Use powers of inner logic (Ti) in ways that indirectly influence human betterment (Fe)".

I think the article is spot on for all types. The quote seems to be significant in terms of finding a career path. Would an appropriate example be psychological research rather than direct therapy?