ISTP/INTP difference? (socially, that is)

[Cheeseumpuffs]

So yeah, title pretty much says it.

All the compare/contrast things between the two just talk about ISTPs liking mechanical stuff and INTPs liking concepts. So my question is, how do ISTPs and INTPs differ socially and such?

 

[EyeSeeCold]

From my observations, both are similar in terms of sociability, rationality & emotionality. For instance, you would not be able to tell the difference if they were keeping to themselves with some activity; or were placed in some social situation that they obviously would not like to be in or do not agree with. This is because they are temperamentally alike and appreciate overlapping interests, skills, and occupations. Their similarity is marked by annoyance to intrusions, avoidance of displays of emotion, and antisocial & cynical bents(although not every IxTP is extreme).

Where they do differ, in my understanding, is the preference for information gathered directly from reality(Sensing) versus information gathered indirectly(Intuiting). The best way to explicate the difference is to say that: (1) INTPs are Observers in their environment and ISTPs are Experimenters or (2) INTPs are Intuitive Engineers and ISTPs are Sensory Engineers.

Where ISTPs tend to be craftsmen, mechanics, and builders, INTPs do the same, conceptually, with abstract thinking. INTPs have a noted capability with problem solving, engineering the world around them to fit with their ideas and make the (previously) unoperational work. As for experience, as I said ISTPs are experimenters and outshine INTPs when it comes to real life hands-on practical knowledge, implementation and exposure. You will find that ISTPs have done things most INTPs are too lazy or anxious to do. INTPs in turn tend to be more hands off observers, theorizing about things in their abstract state, which usually means they tend to have more of a penetrating understanding of the workings of an object or subject. INTPs also are more inclined to accumulate knowledge than the experiential ISTP, even seeming 'smarter' or more intelligent.

So, if you really want to tell them apart, observe how they handle day-to-day life, and how they cultivate and work with their experiences in life.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

^Ooops, didn't emphasize the social aspect. ISTPs are usually more confident and daring, and less prone to get stuck in their heads over things, thus seeming more socially capable and successful. But they can be every bit of an outcast/loner & emotionally inept/inwardly sentimental person as an INTP.

 

[pjoa09]

ISTP - Han Solo?

"You will find that ISTPs have done things most INTPs are too lazy or anxious to do. INTPs in turn tend to be more hands off observers, theorizing about things in their abstract state, which usually means they tend to have more of a penetrating understanding of the workings of an object or subject."

That one is a bit confusing. Could there be such thing as an INTP who spends time on accumulating knowledge and finally puts it to play?

Take Tony Stark(Iron Man) or Clyde Shelton(Law Abiding Citizen) or Thomas Edison when he built his light bulb. Maybe Louis Pasteur?

 

[EyeSeeCold]

Yea Han Solo is definitely the ISTP archetype. The other people I can't speak on, as I haven't studied them.

By that excerpt, I meant that INTPs start out in the conceptual state. I gave INTPs the title of 'Intuitive Engineer' to point that out. Approaching things intuitively, but still able to implement, operate and manipulate the environment around them. Two examples are my personal pet theories for identifying type and the Perception people have; they allow me to practice the typology system I adhere to. Another example is Portal if you've ever played it; you must intuit complex data in a processual fashion to succeed in your environment.

If you mean creating a physical 'product', it's possible, but I think INTPs are more likely to manipulate/maneuver/alter than actually create a new physical thing. You know, unless of course you take a class or something like that. But overall, it's them having and loving their 'tools' which make IxTPs seem similar.

 

[pjoa09]

So you are saying that ISTPs don't alter? That still doesn't seem true.

I don't think the right to master a tool or engage actively for an idea is reserved to an ISTP.

I hope I am correct when I say that ISTPs reserve the right to engage without caution into physical activities.

I think that is what an INTP can't do even if he wished to do so. I would not ride a motorbike despite my deepest desire to ride on. However an ISTP could overlook the possibilities of death and pursue it.

From personal experience I am quite a bit in tune with mechanical stuff around me. I have sudden insights to how something works. I try to guess how it works and I am sometimes correct. If I am INTP (and it is most likely) I don't think the ability to proficiently engage with an instrument or be technically proficient is reserved to ISTPs.

ISTP - Ninja
INTP - Ninja, no wait fuck that's really dangerous.

 

[Dimensional Transition]

ISTP - Ninja
INTP - Ninja, no wait fuck that's really dangerous.

That's a great summary.

 

[EyeSeeCold]

So you are saying that ISTPs don't alter? That still doesn't seem true.

I don't think the right to master a tool or engage actively for an idea is reserved to an ISTP.

I don't understand what you're addressing in the first line. The second line I definitely agree with, although with the way practical mechanics works, I would have to say that ISTPs are most naturally suited to it. This just seems like a constantly observable tendency that's hard to deny.

I hope I am correct when I say that ISTPs reserve the right to engage without caution into physical activities.

I think that is what an INTP can't do even if he wished to do so. I would not ride a motorbike despite my deepest desire to ride on. However an ISTP could overlook the possibilities of death and pursue it.

Yea, this is what I implied by 'Experimenter', and I think you are spot on with 'overlooking death for the experience'; 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'.

From personal experience I am quite a bit in tune with mechanical stuff around me. I have sudden insights to how something works. I try to guess how it works and I am sometimes correct. If I am INTP (and it is most likely) I don't think the ability to proficiently engage with an instrument or be technically proficient is reserved to ISTPs.

It is definitely not limited to only that type. Theoretically, I consider IxTPs very similar in this regard, but then again, with appropriate practice or rare natural talent, anyone can exhibit proficiency.

 

[pjoa09]

I don't understand what you're addressing in the first line. The second line I definitely agree with, although with the way practical mechanics works, I would have to say that ISTPs are most naturally suited to it. This just seems like a constantly observable tendency that's hard to deny.

I was referring to the idea that INTPs are likely to alter or change a given product rather than produce an entirely new product. I am inclined to believe it's not exclusive and ISTPs would alter products. Very fair point made about ISTPs being more naturally suited. I can be be pretty proficient with certain things but the minute I have to tear open some fresh batteries for my calculator I feel like sinking my teeth into them.

But:

Yea, this is what I implied by 'Experimenter', and I think you are spot on with 'overlooking death for the experience'; 'nothing ventured, nothing gained'.

cleared the doubts.

Edit: wait.
As an INTP, are you satisfied with theories that have no practical application? Things that you know will not benefit?
I don't put effort in things that results in no improvements. I need to see some sort of practicality behind it.
I can't dedicate myself to learning philosophy. I get bored. I see no practical application. I'd rather learn something I can use. Perhaps not immediately, but something that supports an interest of mine and give me leverage in future personal projects. Like I won't bother learning biology but I do indulge into psychology because it helps me understand people. Understanding people is useful.

 

[csn]

My ISTP sister and I are very much alike, aside from her ability and willingness to get into shouting matches with liars and people who question her competence. I don't think she's afraid of anyone. She's a chef, and her co-workers have nicknamed her "Pitbull". What I find interesting is that I wish I could be as outspoken as her, but she wants some of my INTP outer-calmness. Our INTJ brother seems to have the right balance.

ISTP chef, INTJ police officer, and INTP accountant. Could my siblings and I be any more stereotypical?

 

[crippli]

Where they do differ, in my understanding, is the preference for information gathered directly from reality(Sensing) versus information gathered indirectly(Intuiting). The best way to explicate the difference is to say that: (1) INTPs are Observers in their environment and ISTPs are Experimenters or (2) INTPs are Intuitive Engineers and ISTPs are Sensory Engineers.

Real vs imagined engineers?

 

[EyeSeeCold]

Edit: wait.
As an INTP, are you satisfied with theories that have no practical application? Things that you know will not benefit?
I don't put effort in things that results in no improvements. I need to see some sort of practicality behind it.
I can't dedicate myself to learning philosophy. I get bored. I see no practical application. I'd rather learn something I can use. Perhaps not immediately, but something that supports an interest of mine and give me leverage in future personal projects. Like I won't bother learning biology but I do indulge into psychology because it helps me understand people. Understanding people is useful.

This part is a little tricky. There are usually different perspectives of practical floating around, especially when it comes to types and typology.

I am a theoretical person. I usually prefer to think than do. However, what I think about is not so self-indulgently abstract that it serves no externally relate-able purpose. For this reason I am generally disinterested with Formal and Natural Science. I am interested in fields such as typology or psychology because they relate back to my interactions with people and my need to understand and cooperate. I sporadically read a lot of information on topics of my interests, usually looking for better methods, better explanations, or better comprehensions. I also like devices that grant me access in the world: cards, keys, cars, handhelds, tools, money, electrical cords, knowledge, theories, internet etc.

Yes I would say I am a practical person, but only when it comes to my personal interests, otherwise I am very theoretical about the world.


Another difference I notice between myself and ISTPs is that they have a 'forward drive' energy to them, like in a moving car. A lot of times, when it comes to projects, they will be moving forward and I slow them down with skepticism and 'cold water'. When they're ready for the project, it's inconvenient for me. When I'm ready some time later, it's inconvenient for them.

Real vs imagined engineers?

>.<