Extroverted Sensing (Se)

Extroverted Sensing is a perception function which primarily deals with taking in the world through your five senses. Now we know that any function that carries the property of “extroversion” is dealing with the objective realm of existence. Therefore the extroverted sensor is completely immersed in their present objective reality. Unlike Introverted sensing (Si) which is concerned with how the object impacts the subject, the Se user (particularly dominant, and auxiliary Se users ESTP, ISTP, ESFP, ISFP)is far more concerned with how he/she could impact, shape, mold, and react to the sensory data within their immediate objective, or external environment. In other words they are in complete acceptance of the present moment, they embrace it, and are not at all concerned with either, future possibilities, or past experiences. Now it is important to note that Se is on the same axis as Ni therefore they work together as they have a symbiotic relationship between each other where Se takes in sensory information, and Ni synthesizes all this impressions collected by the subconscious into an image which is placed into a larger framework or vision which is directed towards arriving at an specific end point or goal. However unlike types which possess Ni higher in their function stacks (INFJ ENFJ INTJ ENTJ) the dominant, or auxiliary extroverted sensor is not concerned with creating a manifestation of this possibilities, or even acknowledging them since they are far more comfortable dealing with their immediate, sensory, objective environment. In other words by acknowledging, and even acting on this ideas, or visions they would be completely out of their comfort zone and in the grip of their tertiary, or inferior function.

Introverted Sensing (Si)

Introverted sensing (Si) could best be summarized, or synthesized as “subjective sensing” meaning that the Si user is far more concerned with that which is evoked by the object within the subject, rather than on how the subject may impact the subject in any way, shape, or form. The subjective nature of this function also indicates an inward profound focus which focuses on depth, instead of breadth unlike the extroverted version of this perceiving function. Now it is important to note that Si gravitates on the same axis as Ne (extroverted intuition). More specifically the dynamic of the relationship between this two functions within their axis is defined by their placement in the function stack of any specific type. In other words the function which is placed higher in the stack between the two represses the one that is placed lower. For instance in the case of Dominant, or Auxiliary Si users (ISTJ,ISFJ,ESTJ,ESFJ) Ne is repressed therefore all the sensory data, and information which is collected will for the most part be used to build upon an internal map of past memories, sensations, emotions, and feelings associated with the subject’s past, and provoked by the object. Unlike the types who’s axis is flipped, (meaning that Ne suppresses Si INTP,INFP, ENTP, ENFP) who are constantly on the hunt for novelty, innovation, and creativity the introverted sensor feels far more at ease perceiving the world via Si. This is fundamentally why they tend to rely on past subjective experiences, and may feel extremely uncomfortable with the endless untried, and unproven possibilities that extroverted intuition could muster up.

Extraverted Thinking (Te)

Extraverted thinking seeks to form conclusions based on objects, and their external environment. For the Te user each fact, or piece of information stands on its own, in other words there is no interconnections made between the facts themselves. Extroverted thinking is far more concerned with building things, and using what they have constructed to serve a practical purpose, it is not interested in building an interconnected web of relationships between the objects. Extroverted thinking is always associated with the idea of finding a “practical application for any given set of data, or facts” although this is definitely true I venture to present the idea that the main difference between the extroverted, and introverted thinker lies in the fact that the ladder generally has “an end game in sight” and seeks to use the facts, and his understanding of them in order to further his agenda, and make progress towards that sight, end game or purpose. Another characteristic of Te is the concept of the modification of the data, and objects in their external environment in order for it to all make sense, this is particularly true for types who have Te higher on their function stacks such as ESTJs, ENTJs, ISTJs, and INTJs. It is important to note that Extroverted Thinking works in an axis with Introverted feeling, in other words extroverted thinking serves to provide a universal and objective logical order to the external world so that introverted feeling could discern it and make value judgments based on an internal criteria more specifically they make this judgments after assessing what, and how much something matters to them on any given situation. I would like to further accentuate the fact that this situations are individual, and independent ones which are divorced from each other, since the value scale is internal. In both the Fe/Ti axis, and the Fi/Te axis the roles remain the same, meaning that the subject remains the judge, and the object remains the scrutinized. The difference between both axis lies in the nature of the subject. More specifically in the Fi/Te axis introverted feeling which as we mentioned above makes judgment values based on what he feels matters, and takes priority for the subject on any given situation makes the judgments, and Extroverted Thinking formulates a plan as to how the subject will go about getting what it wants, or in other words, achieving its goals.

Introverted Thinking (Ti)

Today I aspire and desire to epitomize, synthesize end emphasize the true nature of the cognitive function that is introverted thinking in a manner which will hopefully redefine and clarify your understanding of such a beautiful function through my subjective understanding in an untangled precise, and concise fashion because in the end of the day I  appreciate the opportunity to communicate with anyone that can relate to my passion for self growth and understanding. Here is to an article that will hopefully initiate a healthy debate of those concepts and ideas that we find most innate as it relates to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator. I would like to begin by pointing out that i have consistently come across articles, videos and information online that define Ti (introverted thinking) as a function that performs the task of “analysis” as it pertains to the purest most rudimentary nature of its task within the collective cognitive process. Even though I certainly agree and I vehemently believe there is a certain degree of truth and accuracy within said depiction I perceive this to be rather a half truth if you will. I tend to see this somewhat stereotypical definition of the Judging function in question as lacking in depth context and nuance. This is in my opinion due to a lack of empirical data which would allow us MBTI enthusiast to arrive at an absolute truth on the topic. I believe” analysis” best synthesizes the nature of the overall cognitive process and could therefore be associated or related to any of the 4 judging functions whose essence is primarily to “analyze” interpret, digest, understand, and if you are willing to go a step further ultimately manifest and communicate an understanding of said information which is rather complex and innate in a particular manner which the collective might more naturally appreciate to a certain degree. So in summary “analysis” is rather the inherent essence of the purpose of the collective cognitive process which ultimately seeks to provide us with a deep and intrinsic understanding which will ultimately enable us to communicate our subjective understanding of any given data to the external world. Now to the purpose of this article (after 3 paragraphs) :p which is how would you define or redefine the nature of the function that is introverted thinking? and i have to frankly tread carefully here because the line for confusion and chos or beauty (as long as its organized and orchestrated of course)…Now to answer the pending question I need not more then 3 words (I can understand why that could be hard to believe given the extensive length of this article)but anyways I would define the nature of introverted thinking as (drum roll please…I know I’m such a tease) “reductionist and convergent” pretty short and to the point no? :). A key factor and component that needs to be taken into account when dissecting or interpreting the nature of the role introverted thinking plays within the cognitive process is the axis in which it gravitates along with its partner in crime “Fe” (Extroverted Feeling). In short…if that’s even possible for me, extroverted feeling seeks to organize the external world through a set of COLLECTIVE values principles and ethical believes that serve as a guideline which every individual that composes the collective must abide and obey. Once the external world is organized through the criteria of the nature of extroverted feeling than introverted thinking is able to fully analyze synthesize and breakdown information in a way that seeks to reduce and thereafter abstract the underlying principles of any system to its most rudimentary essence (indiscriminately of the nature of the system or organism…meaning that said nature and functionality is adaptable to any arena or walk of life whether it be professional, technological ,personal ,professional etc) so that someone who possess introverted thinking high on their function stack could then understand and navigate the world and all the different situations they may encounter in a way that encompasses a subjective logic which is comfortable to them Think of introverted thinking and its role or task within the cognitive process as a closet filled with cabinets where one could file a concept or conclusion after they extrapolate abstract reduce and categorize/classify how a set of data that they have vehemently scrutinized from every possible angle to make a judgment for its subjective validity, as well as how this principles/ and or concepts fits within their subjective convergent framework…to then and only then come to decide in which cabinet said concept or principle should be filed so that it could be readily available for any future scenario or situation that fits their subjective criteria that ultimately serves as the determining factor in their decisions, or judgments’ as it pertains to where this principles/concepts might be effective and useful in any way shape or form.

Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

As we know from my previous posts any time a function that has the property “extroverted” before it indicates that the function is focusing externally on the objective realm of existence, in fact it divorces the subject, its emotions, biases, needs, and desires from the decision making process. Now it is important to note that as I mentioned in my Ti video Fe/Ti work in an axis where Fe organizes, the external, or objective reality into a universal code of ethics, values, and morals for Ti to discern, and scrutinize, analyze and reach conclusions based on a set of internal subjective logical axioms, or principles which are divorced from any subjective, ethical, moral or emotional bias. Now it is constantly stated within the MBTI community that Fe seeks harmony, and altough I do agree with the notion that there is some truth to it, I believe it would be naive to think that one would be able to truly understand and synthesize the essential nature of this function by simply accepting this a valid explanation. More specifically I believe that both Fi/Fe could very well aspire to achieve harmony, if they didn’t then what would they hope to achieve, anarchy, rebellion?. I believe that the essential difference between the two could be epitomized in the following analogy, think of harmony as this magical destination which lies in the middle of a road. Now think of an extroverted feeler, and an introverted feeler standing at the opposite ends of the road. In essence they both want to achieve the same goal, they want to reach the same destination. the difference lies in the journey, and the paths they take because the value scale for the introverted feeler lie within the subject, and the extroverted feelers are found externally in the objective realm of existence, which why the extroverted feeler will generally be more willing to sacrifice their subjective stances on matters of morality to a greater extent, as they believe that the quickest, most effective, and efficient way to reach that destination which is harmony is to comply, mold themselves, and adapt to this universal moral code of values, and ethics. In other words in matters of morality they give priority to the collective over the individual. On the other hand since as we mentioned above the moral code is innate, and lies within the subject they are far more likely to embrace the individual over the collective if they do not feel that the moral code of the collective aligns with their subjective value system enough to compromise. In summary my point revolves around the idea that contrary to stereotypes the extroverted, and introverted feeler could potentially want, value, aspire, and desire the same ideals, things, believes, and principles It is not always the case that the introverted feeler will rebel against any, and all collective, universal moral principles, and that the extroverted feeler will be a beacon of sacrifice who will always agree with any collective, morals, values, or principles.

Introverted Feeling (Fi)

Introverted Feeling is essentially about been in touch with your own personal values, it is about been aware of what elements, aspects, qualities, characteristics, traits, and circumstances matter to you as you navigate all the situations, and decisions that you will encounter throughout your journey through life.  Unlike Extroverted feeling which is more concerned with organizing the objective realm in accordance to a universal moral code, or set of values for Introverted thinking to analyze, scrutinize, and discern it in order to reach a conclusion based on subjective logic that will satisfy their need for internal order, and clarity, Introverted feeling plays the role of the judge, or scrutineer in its axis. In the Fi/Te axis Te is charged with organizing the external objective realm of existence in an impersonal manner through a universal set of logical laws that apply to the collective, and that every individual within the collective must adhere to in order for introverted feeling to analyze, and reach a conclusion based on a subjective said of morals, and believes. Now Ti is concerned with depth, interconnections, precision, and making sense as to how something affects their subjective “logical framework” Fi is concerned with how a situation affects their subjective “moral framework” in great detail, and, precision as they often experience waves of emotions, with different shades, and depth of emotion. A perfect example would be to think of each emotion as an orange or a lasagna, where every time you peal a layer you find a different shade of anger, happiness, love, or whatever it might be. This depth and profoundness is what enables Fi users (particularly those types who have introverted feeling higher in their function stacks) to empathize deeply with someone who has gone through a similar situation as they did since they will be fully aware of the shade, degree, and type of emotions the individual they are consoling is experiencing.

Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

Extroverted intuition could best be synthesized and defined as the “opportunity seeker”. Now if we take into account that any function that has the term “extroverted” because it is focusing externally on the objective realm of existence, therefore you can infer that we are dealing with objective intuition. What do I mean by “objective intuition”? well it is quite simple, unlike extroverted sensors who are attuned to their immediate external environment, and sensory information in great detail to a degree that is far more precise, and concise than any other cognitive function, extroverted intuition is attuned to the possibilities evoked, and inspired by the objects, situations, circumstances and their environment than any other function. Hence why we call it the “opportunity seeker” because it views its environment as a constant source of opportunities which are all given equal value by the Ne user, which is why he/she might have trouble settling on a specific course of action, and seeing projects through. (This is perhaps the most clear cut distinguishing characteristic between Ni (introverted intuition) and Ne, along with the fact that Ni’s possibilities emerge from the impressions created by the object within the subject) One aspect that is important to note is the relationship that Ne has with Si (introverted sensing) since they are both on one of the perceiving axis of the function stacks. To put it in simple terms Si collects and stores sets of data which are provoked by the object, and associated with past experiences, feelings, sensations, emotions etc which are then used to feed the (Dominant, or Auxiliary Ne user) as he combines this experiences, and stored information with what he/she is currently perceiving. This combination places them in a constant state of creative flow, which in turn enables them to come up with novel, and unique inventions.