Type dynamics and cognitive functions: INTP nobody gets us

[Mystery Learner]

I just read a great article simplifying why Type Theory and Cognitive functions are theories that are not accurate, unproven and basically wrong. It was really helpful because I was wondering why the MB cognitive functions were grouped in this way when many people come out much stronger in some functions than other but these are identified as inferior because of where the letter comes in the MBTi tradition. Also, understanding that the MBTi test may be absolutely correct in identifying your basic 'type', i.e. the four letters which make up your preferences, it does not necessarily explain accurately the way these preferences interact. I cannot think of a more accurate example of how to demonstrate this than my type: the INTP.

You cannot find two INTPs who are the same. And if we completely buy into Type Theory and it's relationship to cognitive functions (MBTi style) we are simply buying into a theory that is similar to the theory of Astrology (where your star sign tells you everything about your personality).

I still value MBTi as the most accurate description of personality preference but I think I would like to make up my own explanation fo how the four letters interact with each other and how my personality operates as a result of this.

What do you think?

 

[Black Rose]

What do you think?

By your own understanding, how does Introversion and Extraversion work?

 

[Mystery Learner]

It's not very helpful to answer a question with a question! Can you answer my question?

 

[Black Rose]

You want approval to describe how functions work together.
You have my approval.

 

[Ex-User (14663)]

Yes, I think of an MBTI type as just a point in a 8-dimensional space. I don't think there's anything that stops you from being 50% Ti and 20% Te for example – because these "functions" are defined exclusively in terms of apparent behaviors. So I agree that the theory doesn't explain the dynamics between the various functions in a scientific way. It's utility comes from simply grouping people in terms of these abstract behaviors, and then possibly deducing the particulars, the real-world effects, from these. For example if you score very high on abstract thinking (aka Ti), you can infer that you probably have plates with food two weeks old lying on your desk right now, as cleaning one's desk doesn't appeal to abstract thinkers. Conversely, if we find two-week old food on someone's desk, or perhaps find that his toilet seat smells of urine, or that he hasn't washed his bedsheets for a month, we can infer with a certain probability that he has Ti. And in that sense, Ti becomes defined in terms of having a toilet seat smelling of urine or similar.

 

[Black Rose]

"functions" are defined exclusively in terms of apparent behaviors.

No, they are defined (in the Jungian sense) by what is happening in the psyche. The way the psyche operates by the tendency of the psychic energy first parsed as Introversion and Extraversion as the relation of the inward-self orientation and outward orientation. Every time you bring up typology you inevitably make it out to be behaviorist which it is not. Stop labeling Jungian typology as a behaviorist system. If Thinking is moving in the direction of the outward orientation it cannot at the same time be moving in the inward orientation. Functions can only move in one direction at a time. And the 4 functions tend to stick in one direction from the snowball effect of the sheer momentum of orienting in that direction.

 

[Mystery Learner]

You want approval to describe how functions work together.
You have my approval.

No, I do not want your approval but I also do not want to have to deal with pubescent adolescent type behaviour. If you have nothing useful or interesting to say, best idea is to say nothing.

 

[Mystery Learner]

Yes, I think of an MBTI type as just a point in a 8-dimensional space. I don't think there's anything that stops you from being 50% Ti and 20% Te for example – because these "functions" are defined exclusively in terms of apparent behaviors. So I agree that the theory doesn't explain the dynamics between the various functions in a scientific way. It's utility comes from simply grouping people in terms of these abstract behaviors, and then possibly deducing the particulars, the real-world effects, from these. For example if you score very high on abstract thinking (aka Ti), you can infer that you probably have plates with food two weeks old lying on your desk right now, as cleaning one's desk doesn't appeal to abstract thinkers. Conversely, if we find two-week old food on someone's desk, or perhaps find that his toilet seat smells of urine, or that he hasn't washed his bedsheets for a month, we can infer with a certain probability that he has Ti. And in that sense, Ti becomes defined in terms of having a toilet seat smelling of urine or similar.

I think you are stereotyping, and that should be avoided. I am a very abstract thinker but I would never allow stale food to sit for two minutes, or be s unhygienic as you suggest.

 

[Mystery Learner]

Can I block people in this forum?

 

[Ex-User (14663)]

Can I block people in this forum?

Not before you've cleaned your toilet

 

[Black Rose]

I still value MBTi as the most accurate description of personality preference but I think I would like to make up my own explanation fo how the four letters interact with each other and how my personality operates as a result of this.

What do you think?

I think it is a good idea.
Please describe how functions work and how your personality operates.

 

[baccheion]

Most don't understand INTPs and other uncommon types, as they aren't as good with people as they think. They have one idea in mind of what everyone is like (usually based on their own reactions/patterns) and anything else doesn't register. It's then not that they don't know or are wrong, it's that something's wrong with the other person.

 

[nthng]

I still value MBTi as the most accurate description of personality preference but I think I would like to make up my own explanation fo how the four letters interact with each other and how my personality operates as a result of this.

first learn other systems like socionics. It describes how every type use all 8 cognitive functions. It has its flaws though. You better learn neuroscience to understand people Knowing personality types is good only to be more tolerant to other people.

Most don't understand INTPs and other uncommon types, as they aren't as good with people as they think. They have one idea in mind of what everyone is like (usually based on their own reactions/patterns) and anything else doesn't register. It's then not that they don't know or are wrong, it's that something's wrong with the other person.

this better describes INTPs than other types