Is function order a priori or a posteriori knowledge?

[walfin]

Can't really explain it, but here goes.

Is an INTP Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving by definition, or Ti-Ne? If an INTP had the function order of Ti Se, would that necessarily make him/her an ISTP?

Who discovered function order anyway? Is it empirically proven?

 

[Tunesimah]

The function order has always seemed strange to me. It doesn't make sense why these functions are mutually exclusive... to be good at one you have to bad(or not prefer) another one.

I mean empirically it does seem like people fall into these patterns. But what makes it that when you prefer Ne, you aren't so into Ni. Or if you prefer Ti, Ne comes along for the ride.

 

[Weliddryn]

Erm... I'm no expert, however I'm uncertain I would consider MBTI knowledge, especially in terms of apriori or posteriori.
It is a theory a well thought out one,but a theory nonetheless.
INTP is a general classification based on the cognitive functions, but Ti is supposed to be dominate. Even so, there are some on this board who claim the are INTP with Ne as their dominate function. They are highly introverted, but their function order makes them out to be extroverts. In such a case, I'd suggest you don't take things in such a general level (the INTP title) and, instead focus on the functions themselves.

In your example, where S is dominate as opposed to N, I'd think they'd be considered xSxx.

MBTI is based on a set of rules that may or may not coincide with the true nature of a person's psyche. These set of rules are then applied to individuals for a person to further understand them. When this application is made, you must come to accept people are unique and the set of rules is imperfect. Until it is applied, it is just a set of rules or a theory.

 

[Adymus]

When I see people claim on forums that they have some eccentric function order, like an INTP with NI-TI-NE-FI-etc, I assume they either are not INTPs or they don't understand exactly what having these functions in top positions actually mean. You can see the at least the top two and sometimes all four functions in people if you just observe them, and I have never met anyone that had erratic function orders.

 

[Enne]

Can't really explain it, but here goes.

Is an INTP Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving by definition, or Ti-Ne? If an INTP had the function order of Ti Se, would that necessarily make him/her an ISTP?

Who discovered function order anyway? Is it empirically proven?

I think the function order system is Jung's work.

But who knows. And ... who cares? Jung could be completely wrong; there's no irrefutable, universal law surrounding MBTI; it's just that no one's come along with anything better / that made more sense.

Sure, you could have 'erractic function order'. You could be an a-typical INTP, a "regular" INTP, or not an INTP. Your mind need not fit into some flawless box; the system exists as a tool for understanding, not some SJ doctrine, and apart from introspective understanding I've seen it help people relate better to others, and improve their own self view.

But I wouldn't think too hard about function order / preference. Some things are probably set in stone: S/N or E/I, but whether or not one "agrees" with the descriptions or 'jist' of INTP need not be concrete. When humanity develops a better / more intimate way of analyzing and understanding people on the neurological and psychological levels, this system will probably will be trashed and replaced w/ another one. Even scientists are just people, doing the best they can with what they've got. :/

 

[Adymus]

An INTP who does not act like a typical INTP is not necessarily because they have an erratic function order. There is an element of development in their functions and experience. Another of Carl Jung's work that goes hand in hand with Cognitive functions is his theories on Archetypes, and how these archetypes are developed in a person with trigger different aspect depending on their personality type.