Yes, it is clear that the function is not working as a compensational attitude rather than oppositional so to protect the natural tendency rather than antagonise it. This shift in language is crucial. I believe in the days that shaped Jung and Freud, it was common to think of the psyche as a battleground, where everyone was conflicted, and the mind was "attacking itself" in a sense. I think it can be in an unhealthy person but a healthy person will not relate to this metaphor because they are able to use the inferior in a way to support themselves. :)
Exactly - the relationship is complimentary rather than antagonistic :) That perfectly summarises the context from which these binary terms came about - as you say inner-turmoil was almost normal in the early days of mental health, especially in those receiving treatment - indeed, most of Jung's work on psychological types was based upon his patients!
This makes me think of the way the chemistry of our bodies work : inside our cells, opposite chemical reactions maintain an equilibrium. Balancing those reactions is key to the cell's health. On a macro-scale, it seems logical to extrapolate that the cells in a (healthy) brain would not make the mind fight against itself but strive for balance between different cognitive processes.
it could be that since the lens of the ego can only cover such a limited area of our psychological landscape at any given moment, it's not about being inferior, but about which functions we are more likely to trust in a back-burner style relationship, allowing them run at the edges of the awareness of our ego, trusting that the feedback, when it returns, will still be beneficial to our egoic mind. So as the information seeps deeper, it becomes more /intuitive/ by analogy and less /concrete/.
It could also be that people more capable of metacognition are more likely to be able to flip around between functions, rotating them in there mind to develop a fuller picture, versus people who are less capable of metacognition who exist in a more linear orientation to their cognitive stack.
It could be compared to the openness vs Conscientiousness spectrum in big 5, where people higher in conscientiousness are more likely to exist in a linear orientation towards their goals vs people who are higher in openness who are more likely to swivel on their axis. It would be a categorical imperative for both to exist. One would become single minded in their diligence to their leading functions, achieving a more reliability in their output. and the other would shift perspective and make sure the output is more holistic in nature.
The analogy that comes to my mind after listening to your video is that the difference between the dominant and opposition functions is like the difference between walking and sprinting. Walking (dominant function) gives us higher stamina and, thus, longer duration, which makes us more productive in this function. Sprinting (opposition function) is more foreceful, yet consumes more energy, thus less time is spent on it.
THIS is an excellent analogy. I'm always looking for appropriate analogies to use for my points - would you mind if I borrowed this one? May end up not using it but absolutely committing it to memory :)
Thank you so much for this enlightened and knowledgeable take of the "inferior function". This is one of the main reasons I have stepped away from the MBTI community for awhile. There is SO much lack of understanding of this subject to a point to where there is misinformation, like for example, I would hear all the time, "INFPs cant access their Te function at all or they cant have a Strong Te or logic/thinking reasoning" Which would drive me insane and confuse the heck out of me. And like you said, in many communities now, this is used more as a weapon than a productive tool to help build oneself. This video needs to have more views.
I think calling it "inferior" and establishing it as a default weakness of a type gives people an excuse to ignore or not work on it. I also think that people who aren't secure in their type and have a strong need to be _seen as_ type X, may deliberately go against their "inferior" function in order to frantically convince themselves that they are defined solely by their dominant functions, and not have anyone question whether such a raging stereotype could possibly be mistyped. I like the way you have framed it here, because while I don't consider myself "highly developed" (lol), I do have a fairly friendly relationship with my Oppositional function, in that 1. I _NEED_ my Si to grab my Ne by the ankle and stop me from literally floating away into space. 2. Si keeps me on track if an established method is in fact working in the moment, when Ne wants to find new ways ALL THE TIME. 3. Si makes my arguments historically accurate. Therefore it would be utter foolishness to try to escape this vital function! At the same time, though, while it's not "inferior", it is undeniably not my highest preference, so 1. Sorry, I'm still going to drift into space if your lecture is boring. 2. I'm still likely to destroy everything when you least expect it and rebuild it when you're not looking (or leave the mess for an SJ to clean up, heheheheheheh). 3. I still forget to eat, brush my hair, and do household tasks. Like, every day. Can't help it. (Exactly as you've said - it's just not as natural to stay in that mode as it is for someone for whom it is a more dominant function.) Also, this was some grade A iNtuitive rambling in this video, which I really enjoyed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!
I couldn't agree with this more! Thanks for this awesome comment :) As you say, the oppositional function plays several important roles, and calling it inferior encourages prejudice. But, just as you say, it is still opposite to the dominant (and thus the ego-complex) so it is easy to develop a love-hate relationship with such a union of opposing functions.
I'm guilty 😬 I really don't want to be seen as an INFP. I COULD be an INFP but I think in general I function more like an ENFP. hard to put a finger on it, really. In any case, I'm more likely to repress Si because of this definitely - and I do struggle with it regardless. I remember to eat and take my meds but everything else I'm terrible about. Details, remembering to brush my teeth, do dishes, any household tasks - I've felt almost incapable of getting those done on a consistent basis. Anyway, I need to develop Si and Te no matter what, so it's a silly thing to worry about. My Ne and Fi are both high, so who cares which one goes first.
Cheers! I dislike it when any idea or theory becomes overly entrenched as I'm passionate about evolution and flexible understanding - exceptions being hard, evidence-based sciences.
The thing is since I discovered your channel about mbti & cognitive functions my previous understanding or previous belief system of the cognitive functions collapsed entirely. But I consider this a good thing because the whole system makes a LOT more sense now.
I've never been able to reconcile my uncharacteristically strong relationship with Se with the typical INTJ stereotype. So much so that I find myself occasionally considering whether I might actually be ISFP with Se auxiliary. It seems to work like this, though: things which I view as Se "work" or Se "chores," I tend to be ambivalent about, and Se "fun" or Se "stimulating" things, I find the absolute most enjoyment of any sort of enjoyment I could seek. I also highly, highly value aesthetics, and find myself compulsively making my Se environment as beautiful as possible, and having a very sophisticated and discerning view of aesthetics.
Wonderful video, Harry! I definitely agree that the opposite of the dominant isn't as weak as it's made out to be, there's just a tension there. The word oppositional perfectly captures it's role! Unfortunately, I've been told by several people that as an ENFJ, I shouldn't be able to explain my thoughts at all, and this view really seems to keep people from a growth mindset. I love that you are pointing out the flexibility here! It really helps to see the oppositional function not as the enemy of the dominant, but as its other half.
Yess, you've perfectly summarised my overarching point! As you say, there is tension between the two opposing functions, but they are not enemies but rather equal parts of a greater whole :)
@@tinyyellowtree4076 yes, as a Psychotherapist, my ENFJ clients are some of the most articulate at explaining their inner world, their thoughts, ideas, feelings, perspectives, etc. I see them only having tension between their thoughts and wondering if these thoughts and feelings align with the values of the tribe.
@@heartpoint5289ronically I'm a divergent ENFJ with hyperconvergent Ti-Ni...the values of the tribe are often antithetical to my own reasoning; not that I'm deliberately contrarian - my Ti-Ni just reaches different conclusions & in terms of Fi I value truth over societal impact of the said truth; of course these are rarely dichotomies. My twin sister is a default ENFJ & a psychotherapist! Thank you for the kind words about us ENFJs.
THANK YOU! My "inferior function" is Fe, but due to my upbringing, I've always put a lot of effort into creating social harmony and observing how others felt, what they believed in, how was the "mood" of a group, especially when the group had a social goal (a party, a work meeting, etc). I don't think I'll ever be a "natural" at socialising (as my sister is), but when I put effort on it, I can actually be a great hostess or the backbone of a group. I have a very "emotional" relation with it, in the sense I'm always unsure about whether I'm doing a good job with it--it drains me, its a source of mild anxiety, and in the past it has led to over exhaustion and/or being taken advantage of/paranoia that I'll be taken advantage of. But it's something I somehow still recognise as "me", and as one of my own valuable skills I can bring into the table. Because of that, I mistyped for a very long time --INTP
I have a very weird relationship with inferior Te. I identify as an INFP, and my dad, an ENTJ. When in a work environment, he is the foreman. He has a constant vision, one where the details may change down the road, but ultimately arrives to it no matter what. I just kinda flounder around in a sea of abstract things, not getting things fully done where it counts. However, during the quarintine, my dad has been playing Minecraft with me, and the roles have basically been reversed. Because I'm very invested in the game, I have taken the lead and showed my dad the ropes. He uses his drive to complete builds, and has learned much faster than I have, all because I'm ordering him around and instructing him in a consice, logical way. He also loves asking me to improve his hairbrained ideas and builds, so not only is my Fi-Te being stimulated, but also my Ne-Si. It's never been better for me.
I’m an INFJ, and sometimes during crisis and tough times, I could swear that I’m turning to a tough masculine ESTP, to the extent that I don’t recognize myself and then boom!! back to be my old extremely introverted INFJ!
It can seem like a counterintuitive concept in a world that places so strong an emphasis on unchanging character, but the reality is we can very much jump between these two extremes while remaining true to who we are. I know the contrast between my calm and more socially intense sides has always taken me by surprise, and used to confuse me to no end!
@BeetleBUMxX There is a saying that goes (roughly), "Sometimes the solution is for a man to deepen his voice." I guess no-one was expecting a woman to do it!
Thats quite ironic because in C.S. Joesphs system he has the four sides of the mind theory; ego, unconscious, subconscious, and superego. Where each person has these four sides of the mind and mentally transitions to them without knowing throughout the day unless they become mentally aware. The ego being the main one that is dominant, where you would always be coming back to. For the other 3 sides you would transition but can't hold that transition for long periods of time since it takes a lot of mental energy to sustain being in the other sides of your mind for long periods of time. There's a lot more to it but that's the gist. The INFJ according to Chase's system goes into their subconscious which is an ESTP. Not saying his theory is right or wrong just thought it was quite ironic how you knew exactly the type you thought you were in that moment and how it directly correlates to another cognitive function system on TH-cam.
I always liked the word latent, which means “existing in unconscious or dormant form but potentially able to achieve expression,” or “present but not visible.” When I think of the so-called inferior function, I always think of the term “latent.”
I think oppositional is a much stronger word, though opposition on its own can instill reactions like cont work together, fighting, etc. I agree with you about Ni and Si being on the same axis as well as Se and Si being the same thing. Its so hard to put to words how something so abstract works. I think the most important part beyond understanding is ultimately applying the knowledge both internally and on a grander scale. Wonderful video!
Very true - it's such a multifaceted function it's almost impossible to contain all of its uses within a single term, but as the default state is as an anchor for the dominant I do think oppositional makes sense :) Agreed! It is all so abstract, but we can definitely make it more concrete through application to self development. Thanks Michelle!
Then why not just call it anchor function? When people hear Inferior function (or even when some people hear Oppositional function), they will create fear and they want to know why and how to avoid it, but if they hear Anchor Function it simply creates a neutral interest. (PS. This is obviously an oversimplified way of saying it, I'm just trying to exercise my Infe.. I mean my Anchor Te.)
It was this channel and CS Joseph that really helped me understand why I'm different. I'm a mostly divergent ENFJ thanks to nurture, so now I'm having the opposite issue. I have to battle my Ne critic saying that people are just going to step on me more, and Se Child not wanting to be hurt obviously, makes me much more comfortable in my divergent self. Because I was forced to be introverted by my mother, it doesn't feel okay to be my ENFJ side when she's around, and that became habit. As far as actual content goes: It's honestly adorable how much your Te critic in combo with your Fe parent care about the label 'Inferior'. I like Inferior into Aspirational personally from Chase's model, it highlights both states. Divergent is a lot less digestible, and to anyone who knows about the terrible series with the same name, also holds a ton of negative connotations. I think Oppositional into Aspirational would be the happiest medium for me.
INTJ here. I'm still listening to your amazing thoughts on this subject and am excited to hear you out. However, I must say that I do enjoy your fade from one section to another using house plants. Very nice!
C S Joseph calls it the aspirational function. As an INTJ I have a well developed SE, but I have to activly think about it to use it. It doesn't come as naturally as my other functions.
I argue we use it most when we are not actively thinking about it (the divergent role), but when we do it is often when we rotate on our axis to have the oppositional take the lead, which is naturally less intuitive than employing it is a divergent and dip-function :)
Socionics would state that the 3rd function is the aspirational not the 4th, which is why we appreciate people who adequately use our 3rd function as their dom or even tool. I'd say it varies from person to person, some people appear as though they are using the 2nd more, in introverts etc.
Agreed. I use Se very deliberately. Well, when I'm talking about active Se. Active Se does not happen unless I force it usually. Passive Se on the other hand is a constant hum in the background that I'm always absorbing. I also really like C.S.Joseph's notion of the inferior/oppositional function being aspirational. It totally feels that way for me too. It's also got that love/hate quality to it.
@@clarencejones9677 Ohhh, this makes sense. But I always think of the 3rd function as the child function which is obviously going to be looking up to those who are better at it. For me, aspirational means I am striving to get there one say....that applies to Se for me as an INTJ. The 3rd function I've got down pretty well. I had already studied and defined my own value system before I was out of middle school. But it is very true that I am very drawn to people with dominant Fe. I always just chalked it up to being amazed that they are so awesome in that area while I am so challenged. It's easy to admire someone who is so good at your Trickster function. But I don't aspire to be like that. I am happy just being competent. I actually ASPIRE to honing my Se and making it work for me. :-) That's where my greatest joy seems to reside.
Yes one’s relationship with the “opposition function” is vital. With every function there is a feedback loop. Every function is on an axis with another function. I know in Socionics they refer to this function position as the “suggestive function” which may have some correlation with your conception of the “opposing function”. Basically your dom function is NOT disconnect from the 4th function but instead there is this information feedback loop at play between the 1-4. Most healthy people find a great appreciation for this function and understand its importance and look up to those who use it well. A Good example may be Se doms who are drawn to eastern mysticism, meditation, spiritual realization which can be very Ni related.
I have this same argument with so many people, that a theory is meant to be expanded and refined. Once it stops needing refinement and expansion, it stops becoming a theory, doesn't it? It becomes fact or fiction. It's always a little funny to me that people get caught up in giving something old complete authority simply because it's old. I can imagine that no inferior functions is why I have had so many back and forth issues over the years about what my type really is, because I'd always find that I could see how I use each function, but have a hard time as far as what do I use as a dominant function. Look at them long enough and they start to blur into each other in my mind.
To answer your questions, as an INTJ, my oppositional function (I like that term btw) is Se. And I very much do love the Beebe model of the 8 function stack. I personally need that framework within which to explore and expand my understanding so will continue to use it. But I do agree with you that you can't use the dominant function in isolation. I must feed my Ni with Se details. And I definitely do. For me, the "inferior" nature of Se refers to the fact that it truly can be a struggle. I simply don't often have the energy to manage my Se world. I'm just damn tired at the end of the day and when I get home from work, there is no way I'm going to be able to go mow the grass or cook a meal beyond something simple. Doing dishes after that is unlikely. The way I've gotten around this is to cook an entree (casserole, crock pot dish, etc.) once a week on the weekend and then portion that out to eat in the coming week. Then all I have to do in the evenings is make a salad or steam a veggie to eat with the entree. And I ensure that I have something for sandwiches (deli meats/cheese, chicken or egg salad) in case I want/need something different. But I have found that I can find great joy when I successfully engage my Se. It can be some of the most joyful experiences. For example, I have designed my yard so that every window inside my home looks out onto a view with trees, shrubs and flowers.. I have furnished and decorated my home so that it is comfortable and beautiful. I experience music as sometimes almost euphoric. When I'm out in nature, it can feel transcendent. I do agree for me at least that my oppositional function is vital to my happiness. I'm glad you posited this other more positive way of viewing it. Thank you! :-)
INTJ here...okaaaaaaayyy, I'll stop avoiding mowing the grass and go do that in the morning. :-) You've convinced me to be more deliberate about my oppositional Se. In all fairness to me, when I was younger, I was actually quite good with my Se. But in my late 40's I had to take on a second and then third job, working 70 hours a week to be sure I didn't lose my home. For 3 years I did that and it saved me financially, it was not good for me in Se/Si ways. I ate a lot of fast food, got too little sleep and let my house go. Seeing my home go has been the most upsetting and since I got a nice raise at my primary (full time - 8-5) job, I have been able to quit my main part-time job and start focusing back on my Se/Si needs. It's been a huge struggle though to get things back the way they need to be but I'm making little steps and progress. I was so proud of myself for going through the stack of receipts on my desk tonight and wiping the table down. Baby steps. Eventually my home will be clean again and I can breathe again and settle comfortably into my project work without feeling like my physical world is descending into chaos.
I completely agree with you on that Harry! As an INTJ I never feel that I have Inferior Extraverted Sensing, actually the things that I love the most are Se activities.
I really appreciate this. I am fairly new to this. I am an INFJ and want to understand myself better but much of the information out there puts the types in boxes. I would say I am at my healthiest and happiest when I am using what are considered my inferior functions. Yes I can't use them to the degree my ESTP crush can. I tire much quicker than him, but I definitely admire and appreciate him, and it pushes me to use my inferior functions more and for the better being around him. I also hate that there is an assumption that certain types rarely get along with other certain types particularly their opposites.
The type-compatibility systems tend to be nonsense, and pervasively discourages true compatibility (one which stems from mutual respect and compromise). I also get along great with ESTPs, and definitely feel more complete in myself when engaging my opposing functions in a meaningful way :)
I appreciate this as I am trying to learn more about myself as an INFJ. I really disagree with how it puts me in a box when I know I am feeling at my healthiest when
After watching your videos for like the past 3 hours and being kind of confused, I think I understand your general approach now that is rather leaning on mbti and expanding it or even falsifying some of its rather caricature-like aspects to create a more realistic insight into the actual human mind which is capable of using all functions. It’s like you answer the unanswered questions of “how does a person use all functions” and “how does a person grow beyond these boxes and gain a more generalist/versatile, cohesive personality WITHOUT losing themselves in the process as well?”
Hell yeah, Harry! Nice job; that was enlightening ^_^ I will be observing my cognitive functions more, especially in terms of the tandem usage of Ni and Si -- fascinating! Keep up the amazing work, man! :D
@@CognitivePersonality Harry, I was curious: would you type 'Sherlock' and 'Watson' (Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman) as INFJ, and ISFJ, respectively? [ even though Sherlock has, well, issues... lol ]
@@tofusamurai22 I'd type the original characters as ENTJ & INFP - the Cumberbatch Holmes is a very hyperbolic construct but I would say he's more likely an INTJ with a transcendent auxiliary. He takes in Te information predominantly, but also highly conscious of his Ti - an INFJ would perceive the world in a less object-oriented manner.
@@CognitivePersonality fair enough. There's this scene where Sherlock says he "needs to think" and he has like 3 nicotine patches on! I wonder if that's his way of trying to supercharge his Ti, haha
I think that what you're missing there is the attempt of integrating the Shadow, and that produces a quite different Persona (and vice versa). through the process of individuation (maybe the people in the numbers that you proudly use as premise of your thought as the people witch don't experience the inferior function) there is an effort to rescue rejected or repressed material from the uncounscious, and once understood, healed and pacified, the complexes produced around that imagery, have no longer the "negative" or "discomfortable" emotional charge that may induce impulsive or compulsive traits. And to be sure that we are in the same page, the inferior or opposite function, still lies in the counscious realm, and it serves as a doorway tho the uncouncious. (sorry for my english)
I know this video is old, and you're probably not going to read this comment, but I do use my extraverted intuition all the time (I'm an ISTJ). I use it to make contingency plans, to repurpose items, to change plans on a dime when something goes wrong, etc. I also use it to make jokes and write stories. (I'm actually a fantastic writer and can be very imaginative and creative.) When I worked retail and had to be friendly and personable rather than my naturally dry, stoic self, I did present in rather ENFP-like manner, but it was exhausting.
This is what I do :) We have talked about this before in another video. I do like how you are explaining this. At least for me, because I don't like boxes n labels and such. I explain it to others in a similar way. We all have these traits and with the right knowledge and understanding it is very possible to use them all and be balanced. Thank You for your insights! Melissa
I loved your analysis of the role and impact of the oppositional function, but I have a hard time seeing what is wrong with the nomenclature of "inferior function." It is, after all, a function that is somewhat devalued by the subject, even though its development is critical for growth after a point.
I think it is what I value most about MBTI - the fact that it isn't scientifically based. we are free to develop our understanding of it in our own way, basing on our experiences and observations, and it can't be taken as a heresy, because you can't objectively prove whether one's hypothesis is right or not. you just can support it or come up with yours.
I can tell when I’m slipping into my Se, and honestly it gets me to have a LOT of fun. I’ll go partying for a few weekends, then I’ll take a break for a month or two. Then I’ll go back again. I’m a musician, and I’ve always thought myself to be primarily a writer/composer, but there is this performer in me that just loves the attention and energy of the audience. In it’s most beneficial form, it gets me to stop thinking about the music I want to make and actually make it. I also flip like this with other aspects of my life, but I really don’t want to get into it (my is name smacked right on this comment haha).
Love this! Exactly - even if you need 'time out' after a function's use it doesn't mean you can't engage a function fully and eagerly when you're in such an atmosphere :)
Cognitive Personality Theory I see what you mean. If I’m understanding correctly, it’s not like my “flipped” self is a different personality. It’s still a part of who I am, where the actions and decisions I make under these “functions” are still 100% reflected on myself as a person. Its not like something took over me, but rather I am just expressing another side of myself. So it’s not “inferior,” but rather just used less often. I’m assuming if someone makes unhealthy decisions in their flipped state, it might be because of who they are in that time, and not to be blamed on the “inferior function,” because you still did what you did, or acted the way you acted. If there is something wrong I’m my understanding please let me know!
Based upon what you are describing and taking from my life experience, I think "stage hand" is a good description of the "inferior" function. This is because without the stage hand, it doesn't matter that there's an actor because there's no background, no costume, no amplification, and no lights by which to see the actor. Drawing from the same experience, I also think "foil" would be a good term because the function of the foil is to amplify a characteristic of its opposite. Question: Is it possible to become "stuck" in one's "second person?"
Tbh I think it's really interesting seeing people get stuck in the 2nd persona. Idk if I'm ENTP or ESTP but either way I switch my focus for a long while between Ne and Se, to the point where idk my actual type anymore since both functions feel natural and foreign simultaneously, with Ne and Se's oppositional functions randomly taking over regardless of the state I was in previously. Another example would be like one of my ENTP friends who will suddenly get all nitpicky about the smallest things and stressing about social image for months at a time, so I'd say you can get stuck in the 2nd persona but at some point you get back from it
Well that explains why my Gf (esfj) sometimes uses deductive logic that's on par or better than mine (me being an intp) which scares me and makes me question her type and my existence (intps question this second one often) Also explains why I'm good at social stuff more often than not, sometimes I'm even better than her too xD (she's shy so that could be it) Interestingly I have another intp friend and he's in a relationship with an esfj too, perhaps you could talk about type compatibility in friendship/relationship ect, it would be interesting
I love this! ESFJs can be very, very logical especially in this deductive fashion. I'm looking forward to touching on relationships at some point for sure!
@@CognitivePersonalityAnd I'm looking forward to seeing a video about the subject by your channel CPT. It should be quite interesting but not a simple task, relations between types have a lot of variables to consider unlike a single type.
I wonder if this is why sometimes I feel very calm when I use my 4th Si function. I don't "get high" off it, like I do when I'm using my Ne, but it does feel very good and I have a sense of calm while using my so called "inferior" function
In a few years, when my youngest reach adulthood, I intend to through hike the PCT. I have gone on two brief walkabouts before. What makes me nervous is that when I did I loved it and thrived inside [though better equipment and more information can't hurt] but the Se issue that makes me a little nervous is not that I am clumsy or lacking in ability, but that even while Se-ing, I cannot elude Ni, and in fact it becomes stronger with more exposure to Se. So I find myself over and over back in my head and somewhat oblivious to details while yes of course I can see where I am, but I've nearly stepped on sunning snakes or miss things until they are pointed out to me... yikes.... I guess I will have to hope my intuition and quick and or considered reactions will keep me safe... perhaps practice too.Though I've always paused and deliberated and turned back or taken a different route when something feels wrong. Thank you for this video. I agree that inferior sounds hard to overcome. INFJ's are very capable of getting out there and may even go abruptly. I tend to think of it as my striving function. My failure to prioritize my physical exploration to an adequate degree has me in a difficult place, but I strive to overcome this.
Totally relate to this. I enjoy engaging with the concrete world but there will, especially in such calm external settings, often be a high Ni magnetism. Finding a way to remain engaged with the concrete world (especially for long durations) can be tricky!
Harry: I'm curious if the "50% of persons" you mentioned corresponds to the masculine/feminine flavor of the 4th function in the grant stack method. And if so, if your own Se is of the masculine variety (meaning that your brand of Ni is feminine, or as Dr Nardi might call it "Oracle Ni"?).... .I am predominantly of ExTJ preferences, thus TeFi. It's clear to me, and many assessors of my cognition, that my Te is feminine and my Fi is masculine. As such, your oppositional terminology (vs inferior or aspirational or demon) resonates a lot for me, as I refer to my mFi as my fTe's "complimentary and balancing spine partner". My Fi is something I segment into several components (Fi is way too big of a tent IMO for oversimplification) - cognitive Fi and bodily/somatic Fi. My cognitive Fi is super strong and decisive and insistent and extremely strong. My Te doesn't take a step in its building process without permission from my mFi. However and simultaneously, my bodily/somatic Fi is very weak and un-nuanced. So I'm wondering about the 50% corresponding to feminine top and masculine bottom in the 4-function-emphasized grant stack arrangement. Perhaps your experience with mSe as "oppositional" is very strong in some Se dimensionality, as my cognitive masculine Fi is very strong for me?
According to Socionics the weakest function is not the inferior function but the vulnerable or trickster function. For me as an INTP that is Se. I became a pilot because I tricked myself into thinking I was strong in Se, which I wasn't. It's been a struggle.
In the “continuum” part, were you saying we access our 4th (oppositional) function through our 8th function? Since, according to your other video, we’re dipping between our 1st and 8th functions, of course more often in 1st. But that would only hold if it’s true that the introverted and extroverted forms of a function (for example, introverted thinking/extroverted thinking) are really one in the same. Since 4th and 8th are going to be such pairs of functions. I think you should make a video explaining that point more in depth, namely that the introverted and extroverted forms of a particular category of functions, thinking, feeling, sensing, or intuition, are really the same. Because, although the names of the functions suggest that, it’s not immediately clear when you look at the individual functions in action. Although, now that I’m thinking about it, I may be confusing the external behaviors that might be manifested by a particular cognitive function with the cognitive function itself.
I was more making the point that they are the same function :) CPT doesn't order functions numerically, but I am indeed saying that, as two opposing sides of the same continuum, the two functions dip into one another in a fluid manner. Ni dipping into Si as in my case, Ti into Fi as in the case of an INTP etc. You're right though, I do need to dedicate a video to breaking this down more thoroughly!
2:17 "I posit through CPT that there is no such thing as an inferior function" - there's Fi. Fi is clearly the inferior function. /jk /I just picked Fi since I made fun of INFJs last time...alright, SERIOUS QUESTION TIME! *** So, if the oppositional function doesn't have to be a weak Achilles heel, could the reverse also be true - that the dominant function doesn't have to necessarily be an area of strength? Could you have somebody who's Te-dominant/Fi-oppositional but objectively stronger at feelings/ethics than logic/reasons?
Yes, this is exactly the case :) The dominant function is the primary domain of the ego complex and as such is far from impartial - I trust the observation of divergent functions more than I do convergent :)
I agree. Let's call it the 4th function / oppositional function. How would you say Se in 4th slot manifests since you're an an INFJ. Could you make an elaborate video on that? - INTJ
Definitely - I'd like to make a video on Se in general too! As Ni dominants Se is our primary lens, and why we tend to have a very focused and intense gaze. As I explore in my INFJ & INTJ video the way Se manifests in these types is relative to the codec to which it is attached - INTJs will have a detailed Se awareness of Te surroundings, hence why the type often has good spatial awareness, whereas the INFJ's Se is directed towards Fe surroundings.
not shure how jungian it is to say it the one weak spot... the achille foot isnt the inferior, the inferior is aspirational and esp later in life important, Jungs coworker von Franz wrote about it in her lectures book. The inferior isnt weak same as the ignoring 5. (beebe stack) or the vulnerable 7. the 7 really is weak in me and its hurtful. The inferior is called suggestive and we more and more like and learn it and its peace and relief. I think there ate weak spots but this one can be learned and is valued. its the key to fulfillment and peace. but don't underestimate the power, the unconscious can have if disconnected, it can create massive mental turmoil, chaos, illness
Completely agreed - I feel the term 'inferior' encourages neglect of the function's development, the absence of which makes the mental turmoil you mention almost inevitable. Cheers for another great comment!
Cognitive Personality Theory thank you, very kind! yes saying inferior should automatically oblige to read von franzes book😝 i think so often about what she described for my type and somehow hist eric says the same, I only relax Ne when I access Si, which is not easy of course.
Then is it possible for an individual to be out of touch with all of their functions (i.e. for all of them to be underdeveloped), even their dominant one.
In a manner of speaking yes, as full utilisation of a function requires a healthy relationship with complimentary and opposing functions. You will always be conscious of your dominant function, but healthy utilisation requires the ability to 'let go' of our natural addiction to it :)
What if it’s a coin, but the coin has more weight on one side. Causing the coin to land on the same side every time when tossed. You can with extra force and effort turn it on the opposite side. As an INTP, of course, their are times when I am forced to use Fe and Se more than I’d like to. but believe me I experience relief when it’s over. I agree with the spectrum thing. Sure everyone is on a spectrum, just like colors are on a spectrum. But most of the time we can clearly decide “hey, that car is blue and that plant is green” it’s rare that the color is so divergent that we find it hard to judge. And on those rare occasions sure we will have to say “that object is blue green” If we simple resign and say “it’s all on a spectrum” we are deciding to stray from types and just take the object as is, on a case by case basis. Which if that’s someone’s preference that’s fine.
I respect your argument! I actually agree with all of this - it's not my intention to neutralise all values within typological systems so much as it is to present the shades of grey in between. I coin the term 'cognitive magnetism' for what you're describing, and I very much feel the same way with my divergent stack - after socialising I just want to unwind absent company!
If I'm understanding it the way you intended, do you mean to say that "introverted" or "extroverted" are mere labels or prefixes added to a function? That they do not incorporate any specificity to the function in question? If so, is this not based entirely on the assumption that there exists no dichotomy and eveyone is an ambivert? A great video by the way! Very informative.
No specifity outside of the orientation of the moment (external vs internal) - everyone has predispositions and in that sense the dichotomies exist, but this fluctuates across circumstances and as such shouldn't be boxed in. A function can vary in both introversion and extraversion, a continuum as it is, but this doesn't change the function itself - merely its orientation. Thanks!
Think of it like this: introversion and extroversion aren't how social you are, it's dependent on how you view the world. Do you look at it from an internal perspective, or an external one? ENxPs are infamously awkward in many scenarios, and like to brainstorm in occasional, periodic isolation.
Common ... It is called the inferior function because it is closer to the unconscious, hence, it drags the whole consciousness to a more primitive level often. Of course we use all the functions, Jung never stated differently, but it is true that the "oppositional" function is way less developed and harder to controle. Introversion and extraversion binary constructs? Introversion and extraversion are two opposite directions of the libido flow, while the function is the same, many things change, we wouldn't have so many different personalities otherwise. What about dreams, where you can see often the shadow or the animus/anima in the inferior function type? Jung, moreover, stated that the anima/animus is the archetype which grounds us in reality. What about our natural touchiness when it comes to things related to our inferior function? Of course if you know about it it is easier to spot those situations and change accordingly.. I think you should read more Jung before going on a critique just because more than a century ago he called it "inferior" with many good arguments which are valid today. Your whole video was on the fact "inferior" is a "deregatory" term? What "deregatory" term if Jung was the first to point out that through the inferior function we would find wholeness in life, and you can interpret this from a cognitive perspective if you are too intellectual for the mythological .. You even touch upon the transcendent function or the middle realm and you do not understand it is a higher state of consciousness, not just the natural swapping between functions. Read more before you criticize Jung.
The inferior function does not drag consciousness to a more primitive level, and an antagonistic relationship with the function is optional. People are touchy with any function they do not happily engage in an active manner - the function is more observant than active, but this does not make it inferior. There is a difference between recognising a function's proclivity to be supressed in some instances and outright labelling it inferior. The label isn't conducive to positive change and is far too easily used as a get-out clause. Recognising the cons of the function is absolutely essential, but I believe the current label is antagonistic to Jung's very agenda of individuation. My problem is not with Jung as a whole, and crticising a single label of his in no way shape or form criticises his entire methodology and perspective - it is as a proponent of Jung that I believe his use of the term inferior is ineffectual. He isn't a god and it is okay to criticise some aspects of his work :)
I appreciate you answering back to a video of nine months ago. It's just that I see Jung so often misenterpreted and it is a bit disappointing to me, since he gave us so much. But then you're right, he isn't a God and many things change. All in all, however, I think that the things you said were already contained in his theory, for example, he clearly stressed tha antagonistic relationship only in case ego consciousness became too one-sided, maybe the "oppositional" function does not make you outright primitive but I don't think you have that conscious controle you have with your main function... And moreover, when he talks about developing a function I think he refers not so much at the cognitive level, but at having a whole new perspective on life, which makes sense if we look at the psyche the way we interpret reality, and that's something which takes time That's why he comes up with the idea of the middle realm or transcendent function, it's the state were you actually ubderstand the complementarity of the opposites ..
@@leonardolombardi2527 Sounds like we're on the same page. My intention with CPT is ultimately to place the emphasis once again on the individuation process and subsequent unification of opposites, but I want to ensure the lexicon I employ encourages this very growth mindset.
Great video. When they (I don't know who "they" are) say that a cognitive function is inferior don't they MEAN what you are saying in your video? Hasn't the term "inferior function" been perverted through informal (online) discourse?
Many, many MBTI practitioners use the inferior function to imply what I do in this video, but this doesn't change the fact they are limited by the lexicon - it is possible to interpret many terms in a positive manner, but it would sow far less confusion and dispute if the function weren't called inferior in the first place. So I'm not necessarily disagreeing with how the better practioners perceive this function, but rather the emotionally charged lexicon I believe causes more harm than good. And thanks!
I always thought it made sense to develop the inferior function precisely because it's often not as developed as it should be. Makes sense to work on the things that aren't strong yet, right? I really like the way this one MBTI youtuber put it (I guess I should look up who it was now, I'll credit her in a reply to my own comment haha): "it's useful to develop all of your cognitive functions at least to the point of when you can say 'passed the class with a C' " Though I must say that my PoLR Fi was messing me up WAY worse. Thankfully I worked on that and life is much better because of it, hehe.
Okay so I just realised that the person I was talking about is Michelle Wilson, whom I keep seeing in your comment section 👀😂. Both of you are awesome 😊
Michelle's great! The two of us are intending to collaborate soon so keep an eye out for that :) Working on my Te as an INFJ has helped me loads, and is literally the reason I'm here doing this today!
Helpful but confusing. If everything is the same then where does the difference between types come from? I get the idea of the oppositional function not being creative (not able of being creative), while dominant function being free and creative as hell, but is that it? Is that enough for 16 types?..
It's not that everything is the same, but that differences are applied via 'preferences' rather than 'style of use' - the oppositional function is not inferior in an Ni dominant, but it has a different 'style of use' to that of an Se dominant :)
For me, personally, my “Oppositional Function” is pretty dang *inferior,* along with my *Blindspot Function.* “I Hate ‘em both!” That said, I do understand what makes them important to my overall well-being. The thing is, they are both incredibly difficult to work with! Like, they literally take *everything out of me,* on a bad mental health day! Because I also have a Few Chronic Neuropsych conditions that can be *seriously exacerbated* by use of either, or both, for prolonged periods of time, due to my *below average / neurotypical* Stress Threshold. (Fi and Si.) One of them is ADHD: Combined Presentation. But that mostly messes with executive functioning, which is only *Partly Si,* and a lil bit *Fi-Disruptive.* The other Neuropsych conditions are more personal and also more severe! Let’s just say they are related to “Emotional, psychological, and occasional *physical trauma,*” and my Memory! 🙃 Which is why when people start *Harping On About* “shadow work,” I tell them that it is actually *really hard* to do, and it is necessary to be extremely careful! For me, Playing with shadow Te is “True Neutral.” With it sometimes getting the job done, well enough! While other times *really pushing me deeply,* “into my bottom 2,” because the critical component (Te,) is actually so strong! I experience *Nearly Zero* issues with Ni-Se, actually enjoying both! I can actually “Flip into Shadow Ni” pretty well! I just find it a bit distracting is all! While Se is *a very weird function* for me! It is simultaneously, a *slight natural weakness,* but also an incredible “source-of-strength,” with tremendous therapeutic applications and benefits! (Mostly “Performance Art” for me, personally. Dancing, singing, improv, stuff like that!) Both Ni and Se “play extremely well with” with my “dominant function” of Ne, and Ni-Se also often plays *an extremely vital role* in pulling me out of a Fi-Si induced “Episode.” Ni is my “Light,” back to Ne, and Se “makes me get up, and walk.” So I am *absolutely* “an irrational type,” by Jungian standards, with P almost always being my second highest score, behind N. (My “iNtuition scores” are never below 80%.) As such, I generally try to keep Fi and Si “apart in my psyche,” as much as is “consciously possible,” if you will! They are *psychologically Dangerous* when “blending together and distorting my perception of time and reality.” Allowing them to *Conjoin* for too long almost always results in one of “the Flashbacks,” (and in recent years, we have found that there are several types.) Going more directly back to the topic at hand, I generally can “Find” my “Introverted Feeling,” in my Blindspot. But I have *next-to-no* conscious awareness of it, moment to moment. I literally have to sit somewhere quiet, for long enough, and contemplate, “thinking really hard,” using a rigorous Socratic-style internal Dialogue. However It is still *ever so slightly more accessible to me* than my inferior function of “Introverted Sensing.” I *have extremely little conscious control and regulation of Si!* However, it’s definitely more “Potent” and Introverted Sensing packs much more of a “Cognitive Gut Punch,” than my Blindspot Fi. My short-term working memory is crappy (Se is technically a member of “the shadow stack, afterall.) But my Long-term memory can *border on photographic,* in moments. It’s very freakin weird and extremely annoying, in academic and work settings. Cuz I am “brilliant, in all of the wrong moments!” So Si is an extreme thorn in my side. Ti-Fe are basically one function for me, at this point! Most tests give me a 55%-60% / 40%-45% on my “Thinking vs Feeling Score.” Sometimes, even “flipping more towards Fe.” The one and only function that seems to have a direct, consciously Recognizable Trace, providing a “safe, stable connection to Introverted Sensing” *is Introverted Thinking!* But it takes sooooooo many hours to “build the bridges and frames!” 😖 So, I’d say what makes my “Divergent Stack” more “Static” is *definitely* Introverted Sensing. As my Ti is actually *very fluid,* having almost as much neural communication and connectivity as Ne. This will probably sound a bit nonsensical, but I can *feel* when Ti is “floating around, either working with, or against” the others. While Ne borders on “automatic,” always bouncing around like “a Ping-Pong Ball Machine,” or “Christmas Tree Lights.” (Anthro Dr Dario Nardi in The “Neuroscience of Personality.) So Ne still “has all of its hands, in the *Cognitive Cookie Jars.*” It does it with the help of “Introverted Thinking,” as Ti pulls “Si-encoded information from storage,” and forwards it to Ne. So I guess that’s one thing I’d like to add! That my “Introverted Thinking” isn’t really that “static.” On the contrary, it interacts with quite a lot of “my stack.” It’s more that since “Introverted Sensing” is “unreliable In it’s conscious presentation and Manifestation,” that Ti essentially *has to babysit Si, in perpetuity!* But it “likes to play with the other kids, when it can.” I know why you don’t like Tests OP-dude. But, depending on the quality of the test, they aren’t always *entirely useless,* as long as people are at least like ~17+, and “honest with themselves,” while taking the test. Then, if they can “interpret the data objectively and correctly,” then it becomes a *Blueprint for the Model!* It’s actually a bit funny cuz you don’t really dig “cognitive function usage” tests, but all of the higher quality tests that I have taken, that have also given me my Correct Type, ENTP, line up quite nicely and consistently with your CPT model. I definitely dug through *several sources,* comparing and contrasting the various methods individuals use, “what works and what doesn’t,” even looked at some raw visual data from albeit a very small sample, but mapped by EEG, and published in UCLA Anthropologist, Dr Dario Nardi’s the “Neuroscience of Personality,” along with some excerpts from Neuroscience text books, and other more specialized niche books. They all helped to verify my Test Results, and my “Stack” *really does look something like* Ne-Ti-Ni-Te=Fe-Se-Si-Fi, which *really is* xNTF(S) and it really does line up pretty neatly with your “Convergence / Divergence” Model. Most Fluid: Ne, Fe, Se Most Transitory: Ni, Te, Ti. “Divergent:” Si, [Fi.]
So.. I totally dig it. I relate to a lot of what you’re saying… But this doesn’t strike me as ENTP at all. It strikes me as ENTJ or INTJ. Just letting you know as someone who has nearly identical struggles with you, very much similar ways of thinking… Even similar ways of expressing. Talk with ENTPs… and you WILL NOT typically get your form of expression, either the problems you’re mentioning. But talk with REAL ENTJs and INTJs… and you’ll find a lot more relatability. I suspect ENTJ for myself over INTJ; even though I’ve been in my “divergent” aspects for a long time. I’ve gone through the same motions you’re describing… I think it is worth exploring this a bit more. Fi and Si ARE my struggle functions. I ALSO suffer neuro-divergence in the sense of ADHD, if not also “autism” (I score as neuro-divergent, but I think it’s INSULTING to PROFOUNDLY autistic people and their families to adopt such a label when my struggles are nothing compared to theirs…) I think that Si argues with Ni a bit. AND, I’ve recently learned that what the REST OF THE FAILING MBTI world classified as Introverted Feeling is, in reality, NOT SO. Try exploring the possibility that it is actually EXTRAVERTED FEELING that you are so opposed to in others. Also, explore the possibility that the reason why your idea of Fi is practically non-existent is because your idea of it is BASED UPON OTHERS’ FAULTY DESCRIPTIONS of it. I’m noticing a more pronounced aversion to Fe rather than Fi the more I see and deal with Fe in everyday life… Fe users who lack self-awareness are SOCIOPATHIC; and only care about themselves. Their personal interpretation of what is right for EVERYONE else is about the most offensive thing on the planet to me. Combined with the fact that Fe often associates with Si, which, for those who use it without self-awareness, it becomes a bullying function… Basically, the social paradigm of Fe-Si is really anathema to those who THINK and FEEL for themselves what is right and wrong. Si tends to think it KNOWS for a fact something that it doesn’t really know (and the Ne other side of the coin will tend to find EVERY JUSTIFICATION for what Si claims to know…) And Fe will demand that those Si observations are IMPLEMENTED (and Ti will be used to JUSTIFY the implementation to one’s self…) You see what I mean? And if your “Fi” has been trashed by some entities performing these judgments on you… then you’ll actually see Fi as a struggle; even IF it’s YOUR FUNCTION. And your Si will be repressed naturally in opposition, making the Ne side of the coin SEEM more attractive, therefore causing one to overly identify with the function. Your preferences will tend to be more relaxed than that. So… I’m not saying I can tell you your type - I CAN’T. But……….. I think you should consider my words. I’m sorry for not elaborating more intelligently; I’m in a semi-demanding environment right now.
Yeah, I can tell just from your picture; by the LOOK with the eyes, and the intelligence in your post… You’re just like me. You’re either XNTJ, or I NEED TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD… Or, we’re so close within the matrix of cognitive differences that even if we are different types, we’re just barely sitting on opposite sides of any fence. I don’t see many REAL intelligent people with that “force” behind them. You might be overly associating with stereotypical “I.Q. memes” and trying to make your decision based on what you KNOW about yourself (which you’re not ALLOWED to know…) - that you’re VERY smart… not JUST above average. Just saying. Not using flattery. Do not mistake me.
Oh, once again, very interesting! You got me curious about the idea of 'rotating around one's axis'. In your model, would that be something fairly unconscious ? Or is it something we can 'turn on' for a certain amount of time? Are you suggesting that having a relatively well developped oppositionnal fonction would equate to being able to remain 'rotated' for a longer duration? For my personal experience, it certainly feels like a switch I can flip. If I rely too long on my convergent stack, I start feeling I'm not assertive enough. But if I 'diverge' too much, I wonder why in the world I inflict it upon myself and turn it off ! Always feels like a balancing act... Anyways, greetings again from France !
Thanks for the great comment as usual! Developing the oppositional can definitely extend comfortable duration of convergent employment, as can learning to better 'let go of' our dominant function. Your own account is a good one! It does feel like a literal switch, as as it is often from one extreme to another (especially initially) feelings of ambivalence on either side of the cognitive stack are pretty natural!
@@CognitivePersonality From your reply, I gather that I have not yet a complete understanding of your use of the convergent/divergent words, since where I said 'to diverge' you are replying 'to use in convergent manner'. Is there a subtlety there or am I over-dissecting your sentence? :D
@@kcl7864 You've got it right in that, as a default, our opposing stack (ie the extraverted functions of an introvert) inhabit a divergent state in our usual position - however, when we rotate on our axis we essentially switch our attitudes around. So, if we are to use these functions to observe, they are divergent, whereas when we employ them to enact change in the world they become convergent. The fluidity of the system is a blessing and a curse as it does get pretty complicated when nothing is set in stone :)
@@CognitivePersonality Hmm! I need to think some more about this! In the mean time, I'd like to bounce another idea off you. I was thinking of how many INFJ report being HSP (highly sensitive persons). I was wondering if it could be considered as a strong manifestation of Se. If so, it would show that having a preference for Ni doesn't necessarly mean that Se is weak, as you are suggesting in your video. Any thoughts?
@@kcl7864 I wouldn't say an INFJ has a higher chance of being a HSP but I would say a highly sensitive nature can manifest differently dependent on stack. Se lenses can definitely manifest more typical HSP traits as anxiety and such is fueled by intense, concrete experience. ISFPs, ESFPs, INFJs, ENFJs may be altogether more evasive in their vulnerabilities, whereas ENTPs etc may hide in plain sight. It can completely vary. I wouldn't say an Extraverted Sensing is more anxiety inducing than Introverted Sensing, as an INFP will still relate to past events in a similarly intense manner. Taking in Se-Fe information and collating it via Ni-Ti can create a tremendous fear of rejection and other undesirable social situations, perhaps more so (typically) than Ne-Fe into Si-Ti :)
I think this is a very important perspective. It would be strange if the healthy mind was fighting itself or if for example feelers, had no or little ability to think. One though how ever. I think you have to watch out so you don't answer the question "why are we different" with "we are all pretty similar". While the later is true it isn't a helpful answer to the question. If everyone can and need to do everything why do we do it differently.
Thanks for the great comment! CPT recognises we all have natural predispositions, and how each function can have a certain quality within each type, but arguing for the avoidance of an overly rigid and hierarchical approach as I do in this video may have gave the impression I don't believe in types at all! :)
Copied from dictionary.cambridge.org: "ANATOMY specialized of the lower surface of a body part
MEDICAL specialized used to refer to a body part that is below another body part:" From that perspective, I don't feel that "inferior" is a negative word. Can't remember hearing you define the word before using it, but as a part of an anatomy - it can be said to be equally important part of the body of the psyche? Inferior, as in deeper depth (in a body of water). Jung also stressed that he chose to explain the extremes, when writing about types, to make the outlining of the concept easier - and with the help of his alchemical writings, what he wrote, to me feels very similar to what you are saying. The marriage of the four functions - marriage quaternio - or the transcendent function? The functions as a double uroboros, in conjunction - as the Opus! An INFP trying to share my initial thoughts here. Loved the video, and will keep this in the back of my mind in my future reading!
Ahhh, yes I have also found this term within anatomy! You make a very fair point - I think modern audiences can easily misinterpret the term inferior to imply something derogatory, as it has a lot of negative stigma attached to it, but I do concede inferior in this instance can refer to a powerful unconscious depth :) Cheers for the awesome thoughts, I appreciate you commenting!
@@CognitivePersonality Wanted to add this, to allow Jung himself correct any misrepresentation of his words on my behalf. Man And His Symbols, Jung's words on "The problem of types" (apx 15 minutes) and "The soul of man" th-cam.com/video/4M3fDLQLuLI/w-d-xo.html [35:40-1:02:00] ... for anyone who might be interested in this, with much better words than I am able to write!
I do like the word oppositional, but also have no problem with calling it inferior. Inferior to my mind thinks of it as “below”the others on the stack. Not less than or anything derogatory.
Good video but your ti explanation of an inferior being irrelevant actually plays into individualised development of specific types. We could even argue that personality type is only presented as an aspect of self and is thus irrelevant, which is why people who latch on to presented labels actually limit their individual growth.
Cheers for the comment! I appreciate your point on individualisation, but it is for this very reason I posit the static assignment of 'inferior' to one function in such a universal manner as irrational - as you say, it depends upon the person, but this can be applied to many functions. Furthermore, functions are so multi-faceted you can have a function behaving in an inferior manner in some conditions and not in others. Cognitive type as an assignment of 'strong to weak' functions is indeed irrelevant as that's not how functions operate; cognitive type as an assignment of natural predispositions for different functions to act in contrasting ways is not only a recognition of the cognitive tendencies that make up individuality (particularly the more static components) but also a recognition of the means by which a cognition can fluctuate according to the circumstances. I believe there is a great difference between pointing out the over-simplification of assigning an overwhelmingly important and multi-faceted cognitive function an unhealthy label of inferiority, and noting the tendency of one person to process information in a different way to another. That being said, I constructed CPT to blur the lines between personality types and perceive the many shades of grey in between without relying upon further rigidity to identity subtypes and the like. So, to an extent, I do believe the concept of personality type is irrelevant, particularly in regards to the notion of a direct link between cognition and the absolute minefield that is personality :)
I like what your saying, although you use the term "opposition function" ambiguously. Is it the fourth function on a person's stack? Or is it the internalized (or externalized) attitude of a cognitive function? Do I have to use your visual data to determine which one you mean? I really like your idea (I understand it may not be "yours"...come on) of the cognitive stack being flipped on its head. So I'm an infp but if I employ my Te (or allow external info to form my decisions) I can be an estj temporarily. I like CS Joseph's method with a chart on a white board, where the flipped opposition function is represented as the "subconscious", with the fourth function, being a "gateway function" to the estj side of the mind (in my case). There's also an "unconscious" or "Shadow" side of the mind which corresponds to what you call the "dip functions" or the opposite attitude to which ever function (ie. Fi dips into Fe, etc) The process of accessing the different sides of the mind (ie. dip functions or using opposition functions as primary) are what Joseph calls "cognitive transitions"
@@jaredvaughan1665 thank you. I wanted to make sure this is who you meant before commenting further. I personally find that guy to have a fundamentally flawed system and a lack of understanding at a deep level for MBTI, often times feeding from the stereotypical definitions to draw bizzarre conclusions. He's confident enough to pass off his material though. I would highly recommend being very skeptical of him. Cheers!
Dominant and auxiliary functions are the right hand T/F and eye N/S (Solar, eminent), tertiary and inferior left eye S/N and hand F/T (Lunar, occult). Western society has an distaste for “Leftness” in that way the association btw 4th function and inferiority tracks.
I haven’t finished the video but are you picking at the term “inferior”🤔 it’s a word. It doesn’t have to mean that the function is not beneficial. It’s simply lower in the stack. It’s intertwined with the dominant. Our weaknesses are interlinked to our strengths. It’s also interesting that you don’t want to say inferior but you call it negative. Someone else could be offended by it being considered negative. Words are symbols with representative meanings. It shouldn’t matter what word we use as long as we understand the meaning behind the symbol. So many of the terms that Jung coined don’t mean what the words seem to indicate.
Thanks for your comment! It is very, very easy (for newcomers especially) for people to interpret 'inferior' in this instance as implying something to the effect of 'not used very well', and I would also add that a dominant-inferior distinction perpetuates a cognitive function hierarchy model that I consider to be inferior. The video is not simply picking at semantics, but, more than that, trying to present an argument as to the usefulness of a function that some (certainty not all of course) people may very well consider to be a scrawny little function that is on the whole 'under-employed'. I do consider terminology to be important, and this is less about disarming offensive connotations than it is presenting a more holistic overview of a multifaceted function :)
Cognitive Personality Theory I understand. 🙂I struggle to accept that people can and are mislead by terminology. For sure, people that are put in a position of being considered an “expert” should use simple, clear and accurate terminology👍
Haha! Truly my thoughts shared in this video must have been lacking any weight or substance for you to have had such an overwhelmingly negative experience - I'm sorry to hear it! Be sure to let me know of any ways I could specifically improve upon future content to make it less allegedly nonsensical :)
ESTP-appreciate the repetitiveness, as it reinforces and restates the concepts so that I can digest the message. Loved it! Need to listen again before providing a comment with more substance.
Yes, it is clear that the function is not working as a compensational attitude rather than oppositional so to protect the natural tendency rather than antagonise it. This shift in language is crucial.
I believe in the days that shaped Jung and Freud, it was common to think of the psyche as a battleground, where everyone was conflicted, and the mind was "attacking itself" in a sense. I think it can be in an unhealthy person but a healthy person will not relate to this metaphor because they are able to use the inferior in a way to support themselves. :)
Exactly - the relationship is complimentary rather than antagonistic :)
That perfectly summarises the context from which these binary terms came about - as you say inner-turmoil was almost normal in the early days of mental health, especially in those receiving treatment - indeed, most of Jung's work on psychological types was based upon his patients!
This makes me think of the way the chemistry of our bodies work : inside our cells, opposite chemical reactions maintain an equilibrium. Balancing those reactions is key to the cell's health. On a macro-scale, it seems logical to extrapolate that the cells in a (healthy) brain would not make the mind fight against itself but strive for balance between different cognitive processes.
it could be that since the lens of the ego can only cover such a limited area of our psychological landscape at any given moment, it's not about being inferior, but about which functions we are more likely to trust in a back-burner style relationship, allowing them run at the edges of the awareness of our ego, trusting that the feedback, when it returns, will still be beneficial to our egoic mind. So as the information seeps deeper, it becomes more /intuitive/ by analogy and less /concrete/.
It could also be that people more capable of metacognition are more likely to be able to flip around between functions, rotating them in there mind to develop a fuller picture, versus people who are less capable of metacognition who exist in a more linear orientation to their cognitive stack.
It could be compared to the openness vs Conscientiousness spectrum in big 5, where people higher in conscientiousness are more likely to exist in a linear orientation towards their goals vs people who are higher in openness who are more likely to swivel on their axis. It would be a categorical imperative for both to exist. One would become single minded in their diligence to their leading functions, achieving a more reliability in their output. and the other would shift perspective and make sure the output is more holistic in nature.
The analogy that comes to my mind after listening to your video is that the difference between the dominant and opposition functions is like the difference between walking and sprinting.
Walking (dominant function) gives us higher stamina and, thus, longer duration, which makes us more productive in this function.
Sprinting (opposition function) is more foreceful, yet consumes more energy, thus less time is spent on it.
THIS is an excellent analogy. I'm always looking for appropriate analogies to use for my points - would you mind if I borrowed this one? May end up not using it but absolutely committing it to memory :)
@@CognitivePersonality Sure! Glad you found it useful.
Thank you so much for this enlightened and knowledgeable take of the "inferior function". This is one of the main reasons I have stepped away from the MBTI community for awhile. There is SO much lack of understanding of this subject to a point to where there is misinformation, like for example, I would hear all the time, "INFPs cant access their Te function at all or they cant have a Strong Te or logic/thinking reasoning" Which would drive me insane and confuse the heck out of me. And like you said, in many communities now, this is used more as a weapon than a productive tool to help build oneself. This video needs to have more views.
I think calling it "inferior" and establishing it as a default weakness of a type gives people an excuse to ignore or not work on it. I also think that people who aren't secure in their type and have a strong need to be _seen as_ type X, may deliberately go against their "inferior" function in order to frantically convince themselves that they are defined solely by their dominant functions, and not have anyone question whether such a raging stereotype could possibly be mistyped.
I like the way you have framed it here, because while I don't consider myself "highly developed" (lol), I do have a fairly friendly relationship with my Oppositional function, in that
1. I _NEED_ my Si to grab my Ne by the ankle and stop me from literally floating away into space.
2. Si keeps me on track if an established method is in fact working in the moment, when Ne wants to find new ways ALL THE TIME.
3. Si makes my arguments historically accurate.
Therefore it would be utter foolishness to try to escape this vital function!
At the same time, though, while it's not "inferior", it is undeniably not my highest preference, so
1. Sorry, I'm still going to drift into space if your lecture is boring.
2. I'm still likely to destroy everything when you least expect it and rebuild it when you're not looking (or leave the mess for an SJ to clean up, heheheheheheh).
3. I still forget to eat, brush my hair, and do household tasks. Like, every day. Can't help it.
(Exactly as you've said - it's just not as natural to stay in that mode as it is for someone for whom it is a more dominant function.)
Also, this was some grade A iNtuitive rambling in this video, which I really enjoyed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this!
I couldn't agree with this more! Thanks for this awesome comment :)
As you say, the oppositional function plays several important roles, and calling it inferior encourages prejudice.
But, just as you say, it is still opposite to the dominant (and thus the ego-complex) so it is easy to develop a love-hate relationship with such a union of opposing functions.
Cough cough INTJ forums on reddit😬.
I'm guilty 😬 I really don't want to be seen as an INFP. I COULD be an INFP but I think in general I function more like an ENFP. hard to put a finger on it, really. In any case, I'm more likely to repress Si because of this definitely - and I do struggle with it regardless. I remember to eat and take my meds but everything else I'm terrible about. Details, remembering to brush my teeth, do dishes, any household tasks - I've felt almost incapable of getting those done on a consistent basis. Anyway, I need to develop Si and Te no matter what, so it's a silly thing to worry about. My Ne and Fi are both high, so who cares which one goes first.
Thanks for the reminder that we should not be dogmatic about knowledge.
Cheers! I dislike it when any idea or theory becomes overly entrenched as I'm passionate about evolution and flexible understanding - exceptions being hard, evidence-based sciences.
The thing is since I discovered your channel about mbti & cognitive functions my previous understanding or previous belief system of the cognitive functions collapsed entirely. But I consider this a good thing because the whole system makes a LOT more sense now.
I've never been able to reconcile my uncharacteristically strong relationship with Se with the typical INTJ stereotype. So much so that I find myself occasionally considering whether I might actually be ISFP with Se auxiliary. It seems to work like this, though: things which I view as Se "work" or Se "chores," I tend to be ambivalent about, and Se "fun" or Se "stimulating" things, I find the absolute most enjoyment of any sort of enjoyment I could seek. I also highly, highly value aesthetics, and find myself compulsively making my Se environment as beautiful as possible, and having a very sophisticated and discerning view of aesthetics.
ISFP sounds like a possibility for sure!
Wonderful video, Harry! I definitely agree that the opposite of the dominant isn't as weak as it's made out to be, there's just a tension there. The word oppositional perfectly captures it's role! Unfortunately, I've been told by several people that as an ENFJ, I shouldn't be able to explain my thoughts at all, and this view really seems to keep people from a growth mindset. I love that you are pointing out the flexibility here! It really helps to see the oppositional function not as the enemy of the dominant, but as its other half.
Yess, you've perfectly summarised my overarching point! As you say, there is tension between the two opposing functions, but they are not enemies but rather equal parts of a greater whole :)
I find ENFJ's to explain themselves very beautifully and adequately when they choose to.
@@tinyyellowtree4076 yes, as a Psychotherapist, my ENFJ clients are some of the most articulate at explaining their inner world, their thoughts, ideas, feelings, perspectives, etc. I see them only having tension between their thoughts and wondering if these thoughts and feelings align with the values of the tribe.
@@heartpoint5289ronically I'm a divergent ENFJ with hyperconvergent Ti-Ni...the values of the tribe are often antithetical to my own reasoning; not that I'm deliberately contrarian - my Ti-Ni just reaches different conclusions & in terms of Fi I value truth over societal impact of the said truth; of course these are rarely dichotomies. My twin sister is a default ENFJ & a psychotherapist! Thank you for the kind words about us ENFJs.
THANK YOU! My "inferior function" is Fe, but due to my upbringing, I've always put a lot of effort into creating social harmony and observing how others felt, what they believed in, how was the "mood" of a group, especially when the group had a social goal (a party, a work meeting, etc). I don't think I'll ever be a "natural" at socialising (as my sister is), but when I put effort on it, I can actually be a great hostess or the backbone of a group. I have a very "emotional" relation with it, in the sense I'm always unsure about whether I'm doing a good job with it--it drains me, its a source of mild anxiety, and in the past it has led to over exhaustion and/or being taken advantage of/paranoia that I'll be taken advantage of. But it's something I somehow still recognise as "me", and as one of my own valuable skills I can bring into the table. Because of that, I mistyped for a very long time --INTP
There is a logic to emotions.
I have a very weird relationship with inferior Te. I identify as an INFP, and my dad, an ENTJ. When in a work environment, he is the foreman. He has a constant vision, one where the details may change down the road, but ultimately arrives to it no matter what. I just kinda flounder around in a sea of abstract things, not getting things fully done where it counts.
However, during the quarintine, my dad has been playing Minecraft with me, and the roles have basically been reversed. Because I'm very invested in the game, I have taken the lead and showed my dad the ropes. He uses his drive to complete builds, and has learned much faster than I have, all because I'm ordering him around and instructing him in a consice, logical way. He also loves asking me to improve his hairbrained ideas and builds, so not only is my Fi-Te being stimulated, but also my Ne-Si. It's never been better for me.
How fascinating! Sounds like a healthy medium :)
I’m an INFJ, and sometimes during crisis and tough times, I could swear that I’m turning to a tough masculine ESTP, to the extent that I don’t recognize myself and then boom!! back to be my old extremely introverted INFJ!
It can seem like a counterintuitive concept in a world that places so strong an emphasis on unchanging character, but the reality is we can very much jump between these two extremes while remaining true to who we are.
I know the contrast between my calm and more socially intense sides has always taken me by surprise, and used to confuse me to no end!
@BeetleBUMxX There is a saying that goes (roughly), "Sometimes the solution is for a man to deepen his voice."
I guess no-one was expecting a woman to do it!
Thats quite ironic because in C.S. Joesphs system he has the four sides of the mind theory; ego, unconscious, subconscious, and superego. Where each person has these four sides of the mind and mentally transitions to them without knowing throughout the day unless they become mentally aware. The ego being the main one that is dominant, where you would always be coming back to. For the other 3 sides you would transition but can't hold that transition for long periods of time since it takes a lot of mental energy to sustain being in the other sides of your mind for long periods of time. There's a lot more to it but that's the gist. The INFJ according to Chase's system goes into their subconscious which is an ESTP. Not saying his theory is right or wrong just thought it was quite ironic how you knew exactly the type you thought you were in that moment and how it directly correlates to another cognitive function system on TH-cam.
It's not rocket-science. Just flip the functions themselves upside-down and/or switch the extroverted functions to introverted and vise versa
I always liked the word latent, which means “existing in unconscious or dormant form but potentially able to achieve expression,” or “present but not visible.” When I think of the so-called inferior function, I always think of the term “latent.”
I think oppositional is a much stronger word, though opposition on its own can instill reactions like cont work together, fighting, etc.
I agree with you about Ni and Si being on the same axis as well as Se and Si being the same thing. Its so hard to put to words how something so abstract works. I think the most important part beyond understanding is ultimately applying the knowledge both internally and on a grander scale. Wonderful video!
Very true - it's such a multifaceted function it's almost impossible to contain all of its uses within a single term, but as the default state is as an anchor for the dominant I do think oppositional makes sense :)
Agreed! It is all so abstract, but we can definitely make it more concrete through application to self development. Thanks Michelle!
Then why not just call it anchor function? When people hear Inferior function (or even when some people hear Oppositional function),
they will create fear
and they want to know why and how to avoid it,
but if they hear Anchor Function
it simply creates a neutral interest.
(PS. This is obviously an oversimplified way of saying it, I'm just trying to exercise my Infe.. I mean my Anchor Te.)
And here comes my demonstrative Si self-punishment:
it* will create fear
It was this channel and CS Joseph that really helped me understand why I'm different. I'm a mostly divergent ENFJ thanks to nurture, so now I'm having the opposite issue. I have to battle my Ne critic saying that people are just going to step on me more, and Se Child not wanting to be hurt obviously, makes me much more comfortable in my divergent self. Because I was forced to be introverted by my mother, it doesn't feel okay to be my ENFJ side when she's around, and that became habit.
As far as actual content goes: It's honestly adorable how much your Te critic in combo with your Fe parent care about the label 'Inferior'. I like Inferior into Aspirational personally from Chase's model, it highlights both states. Divergent is a lot less digestible, and to anyone who knows about the terrible series with the same name, also holds a ton of negative connotations. I think Oppositional into Aspirational would be the happiest medium for me.
I like this word too!
INTJ here. I'm still listening to your amazing thoughts on this subject and am excited to hear you out. However, I must say that I do enjoy your fade from one section to another using house plants. Very nice!
I need to get back on the houseplant game!
C S Joseph calls it the aspirational function. As an INTJ I have a well developed SE, but I have to activly think about it to use it. It doesn't come as naturally as my other functions.
I argue we use it most when we are not actively thinking about it (the divergent role), but when we do it is often when we rotate on our axis to have the oppositional take the lead, which is naturally less intuitive than employing it is a divergent and dip-function :)
Socionics would state that the 3rd function is the aspirational not the 4th, which is why we appreciate people who adequately use our 3rd function as their dom or even tool. I'd say it varies from person to person, some people appear as though they are using the 2nd more, in introverts etc.
Agreed. I use Se very deliberately. Well, when I'm talking about active Se. Active Se does not happen unless I force it usually. Passive Se on the other hand is a constant hum in the background that I'm always absorbing.
I also really like C.S.Joseph's notion of the inferior/oppositional function being aspirational. It totally feels that way for me too. It's also got that love/hate quality to it.
@@clarencejones9677 Ohhh, this makes sense. But I always think of the 3rd function as the child function which is obviously going to be looking up to those who are better at it. For me, aspirational means I am striving to get there one say....that applies to Se for me as an INTJ. The 3rd function I've got down pretty well. I had already studied and defined my own value system before I was out of middle school. But it is very true that I am very drawn to people with dominant Fe. I always just chalked it up to being amazed that they are so awesome in that area while I am so challenged. It's easy to admire someone who is so good at your Trickster function. But I don't aspire to be like that. I am happy just being competent. I actually ASPIRE to honing my Se and making it work for me. :-) That's where my greatest joy seems to reside.
Yes one’s relationship with the “opposition function” is vital. With every function there is a feedback loop. Every function is on an axis with another function. I know in Socionics they refer to this function position as the “suggestive function” which may have some correlation with your conception of the “opposing function”. Basically your dom function is NOT disconnect from the 4th function but instead there is this information feedback loop at play between the 1-4. Most healthy people find a great appreciation for this function and understand its importance and look up to those who use it well. A Good example may be Se doms who are drawn to eastern mysticism, meditation, spiritual realization which can be very Ni related.
Everyone that's into mbti should atleast watch this.
Jung studied extremes, the people he studied had some kind of gross imbalance between their “dominant function” and its inverse.
Best explanation about this I ever watched! Wow! 😊
I have this same argument with so many people, that a theory is meant to be expanded and refined. Once it stops needing refinement and expansion, it stops becoming a theory, doesn't it? It becomes fact or fiction. It's always a little funny to me that people get caught up in giving something old complete authority simply because it's old. I can imagine that no inferior functions is why I have had so many back and forth issues over the years about what my type really is, because I'd always find that I could see how I use each function, but have a hard time as far as what do I use as a dominant function. Look at them long enough and they start to blur into each other in my mind.
Facts.
To answer your questions, as an INTJ, my oppositional function (I like that term btw) is Se. And I very much do love the Beebe model of the 8 function stack. I personally need that framework within which to explore and expand my understanding so will continue to use it. But I do agree with you that you can't use the dominant function in isolation. I must feed my Ni with Se details. And I definitely do. For me, the "inferior" nature of Se refers to the fact that it truly can be a struggle. I simply don't often have the energy to manage my Se world. I'm just damn tired at the end of the day and when I get home from work, there is no way I'm going to be able to go mow the grass or cook a meal beyond something simple. Doing dishes after that is unlikely. The way I've gotten around this is to cook an entree (casserole, crock pot dish, etc.) once a week on the weekend and then portion that out to eat in the coming week. Then all I have to do in the evenings is make a salad or steam a veggie to eat with the entree. And I ensure that I have something for sandwiches (deli meats/cheese, chicken or egg salad) in case I want/need something different.
But I have found that I can find great joy when I successfully engage my Se. It can be some of the most joyful experiences. For example, I have designed my yard so that every window inside my home looks out onto a view with trees, shrubs and flowers.. I have furnished and decorated my home so that it is comfortable and beautiful. I experience music as sometimes almost euphoric. When I'm out in nature, it can feel transcendent. I do agree for me at least that my oppositional function is vital to my happiness. I'm glad you posited this other more positive way of viewing it. Thank you! :-)
Thank you for the awesome comment! :)
INFJ here. This resonates with me, you described my SE so aptly.
Great job mate!
INTJ here...okaaaaaaayyy, I'll stop avoiding mowing the grass and go do that in the morning. :-) You've convinced me to be more deliberate about my oppositional Se. In all fairness to me, when I was younger, I was actually quite good with my Se. But in my late 40's I had to take on a second and then third job, working 70 hours a week to be sure I didn't lose my home. For 3 years I did that and it saved me financially, it was not good for me in Se/Si ways. I ate a lot of fast food, got too little sleep and let my house go. Seeing my home go has been the most upsetting and since I got a nice raise at my primary (full time - 8-5) job, I have been able to quit my main part-time job and start focusing back on my Se/Si needs. It's been a huge struggle though to get things back the way they need to be but I'm making little steps and progress. I was so proud of myself for going through the stack of receipts on my desk tonight and wiping the table down. Baby steps. Eventually my home will be clean again and I can breathe again and settle comfortably into my project work without feeling like my physical world is descending into chaos.
Pressure can certainly cause different kinds of cognitive adaptation! Tortoise wins the race :)
I completely agree with you on that Harry!
As an INTJ I never feel that I have Inferior Extraverted Sensing, actually the things that I love the most are Se activities.
I really appreciate this. I am fairly new to this. I am an INFJ and want to understand myself better but much of the information out there puts the types in boxes. I would say I am at my healthiest and happiest when I am using what are considered my inferior functions. Yes I can't use them to the degree my ESTP crush can. I tire much quicker than him, but I definitely admire and appreciate him, and it pushes me to use my inferior functions more and for the better being around him. I also hate that there is an assumption that certain types rarely get along with other certain types particularly their opposites.
The type-compatibility systems tend to be nonsense, and pervasively discourages true compatibility (one which stems from mutual respect and compromise). I also get along great with ESTPs, and definitely feel more complete in myself when engaging my opposing functions in a meaningful way :)
Based af video. One of my favourites amongst those that are not about a particular cognitive type. This type of content is also very helpful 👍
I agree with your point! I like the term Secondary Function.
I appreciate this as I am trying to learn more about myself as an INFJ. I really disagree with how it puts me in a box when I know I am feeling at my healthiest when
After watching your videos for like the past 3 hours and being kind of confused, I think I understand your general approach now that is rather leaning on mbti and expanding it or even falsifying some of its rather caricature-like aspects to create a more realistic insight into the actual human mind which is capable of using all functions. It’s like you answer the unanswered questions of “how does a person use all functions” and “how does a person grow beyond these boxes and gain a more generalist/versatile, cohesive personality WITHOUT losing themselves in the process as well?”
Hell yeah, Harry! Nice job; that was enlightening ^_^ I will be observing my cognitive functions more, especially in terms of the tandem usage of Ni and Si -- fascinating! Keep up the amazing work, man! :D
Thank you so much, as usual!
@@CognitivePersonality Harry, I was curious: would you type 'Sherlock' and 'Watson' (Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman) as INFJ, and ISFJ, respectively? [ even though Sherlock has, well, issues... lol ]
@@tofusamurai22 I'd type the original characters as ENTJ & INFP - the Cumberbatch Holmes is a very hyperbolic construct but I would say he's more likely an INTJ with a transcendent auxiliary. He takes in Te information predominantly, but also highly conscious of his Ti - an INFJ would perceive the world in a less object-oriented manner.
@@CognitivePersonality fair enough. There's this scene where Sherlock says he "needs to think" and he has like 3 nicotine patches on! I wonder if that's his way of trying to supercharge his Ti, haha
@@CognitivePersonality Harry, if you'd ever want to, I'd appreciate discussing nutrition/supplements, too! :)
I think that what you're missing there is the attempt of integrating the Shadow, and that produces a quite different Persona (and vice versa). through the process of individuation (maybe the people in the numbers that you proudly use as premise of your thought as the people witch don't experience the inferior function) there is an effort to rescue rejected or repressed material from the uncounscious, and once understood, healed and pacified, the complexes produced around that imagery, have no longer the "negative" or "discomfortable" emotional charge that may induce impulsive or compulsive traits. And to be sure that we are in the same page, the inferior or opposite function, still lies in the counscious realm, and it serves as a doorway tho the uncouncious. (sorry for my english)
YES!
I know this video is old, and you're probably not going to read this comment, but I do use my extraverted intuition all the time (I'm an ISTJ). I use it to make contingency plans, to repurpose items, to change plans on a dime when something goes wrong, etc. I also use it to make jokes and write stories. (I'm actually a fantastic writer and can be very imaginative and creative.)
When I worked retail and had to be friendly and personable rather than my naturally dry, stoic self, I did present in rather ENFP-like manner, but it was exhausting.
This is what I do :) We have talked about this before in another video. I do like how you are explaining this. At least for me, because I don't like boxes n labels and such.
I explain it to others in a similar way.
We all have these traits and with the right knowledge and understanding it is very possible to use them all and be balanced.
Thank You for your insights!
Melissa
Thanks so much! I agree completely - balance is the end goal :)
Thanks for commenting!
You tho
I loved your analysis of the role and impact of the oppositional function, but I have a hard time seeing what is wrong with the nomenclature of "inferior function." It is, after all, a function that is somewhat devalued by the subject, even though its development is critical for growth after a point.
i sometimes get scared by how i can act like an ESTJ out of the sudden but in the blink of an eye im back to INFP
I think it is what I value most about MBTI - the fact that it isn't scientifically based. we are free to develop our understanding of it in our own way, basing on our experiences and observations, and it can't be taken as a heresy, because you can't objectively prove whether one's hypothesis is right or not. you just can support it or come up with yours.
This is very true!
See the neuroscience work of Professor Dario Nardi.
I can tell when I’m slipping into my Se, and honestly it gets me to have a LOT of fun. I’ll go partying for a few weekends, then I’ll take a break for a month or two. Then I’ll go back again. I’m a musician, and I’ve always thought myself to be primarily a writer/composer, but there is this performer in me that just loves the attention and energy of the audience. In it’s most beneficial form, it gets me to stop thinking about the music I want to make and actually make it. I also flip like this with other aspects of my life, but I really don’t want to get into it (my is name smacked right on this comment haha).
Love this! Exactly - even if you need 'time out' after a function's use it doesn't mean you can't engage a function fully and eagerly when you're in such an atmosphere :)
Cognitive Personality Theory I see what you mean. If I’m understanding correctly, it’s not like my “flipped” self is a different personality. It’s still a part of who I am, where the actions and decisions I make under these “functions” are still 100% reflected on myself as a person. Its not like something took over me, but rather I am just expressing another side of myself. So it’s not “inferior,” but rather just used less often.
I’m assuming if someone makes unhealthy decisions in their flipped state, it might be because of who they are in that time, and not to be blamed on the “inferior function,” because you still did what you did, or acted the way you acted.
If there is something wrong I’m my understanding please let me know!
@@dorrian6462 Spot on :)
Based upon what you are describing and taking from my life experience, I think "stage hand" is a good description of the "inferior" function. This is because without the stage hand, it doesn't matter that there's an actor because there's no background, no costume, no amplification, and no lights by which to see the actor.
Drawing from the same experience, I also think "foil" would be a good term because the function of the foil is to amplify a characteristic of its opposite.
Question: Is it possible to become "stuck" in one's "second person?"
Tbh I think it's really interesting seeing people get stuck in the 2nd persona. Idk if I'm ENTP or ESTP but either way I switch my focus for a long while between Ne and Se, to the point where idk my actual type anymore since both functions feel natural and foreign simultaneously, with Ne and Se's oppositional functions randomly taking over regardless of the state I was in previously. Another example would be like one of my ENTP friends who will suddenly get all nitpicky about the smallest things and stressing about social image for months at a time, so I'd say you can get stuck in the 2nd persona but at some point you get back from it
Well that explains why my Gf (esfj) sometimes uses deductive logic that's on par or better than mine (me being an intp) which scares me and makes me question her type and my existence (intps question this second one often)
Also explains why I'm good at social stuff more often than not, sometimes I'm even better than her too xD (she's shy so that could be it)
Interestingly I have another intp friend and he's in a relationship with an esfj too, perhaps you could talk about type compatibility in friendship/relationship ect, it would be interesting
Although it might be her Te that stuns me instead, idk
I love this! ESFJs can be very, very logical especially in this deductive fashion.
I'm looking forward to touching on relationships at some point for sure!
@@CognitivePersonalityAnd I'm looking forward to seeing a video about the subject by your channel CPT.
It should be quite interesting but not a simple task, relations between types have a lot of variables to consider unlike a single type.
@@chaosfuel3027 Agreed!
It's so cute. I always see INTPs with ESFJs or ENFJs.
I wonder if this is why sometimes I feel very calm when I use my 4th Si function. I don't "get high" off it, like I do when I'm using my Ne, but it does feel very good and I have a sense of calm while using my so called "inferior" function
In a few years, when my youngest reach adulthood, I intend to through hike the PCT. I have gone on two brief walkabouts before. What makes me nervous is that when I did I loved it and thrived inside [though better equipment and more information can't hurt] but the Se issue that makes me a little nervous is not that I am clumsy or lacking in ability, but that even while Se-ing, I cannot elude Ni, and in fact it becomes stronger with more exposure to Se. So I find myself over and over back in my head and somewhat oblivious to details while yes of course I can see where I am, but I've nearly stepped on sunning snakes or miss things until they are pointed out to me... yikes.... I guess I will have to hope my intuition and quick and or considered reactions will keep me safe... perhaps practice too.Though I've always paused and deliberated and turned back or taken a different route when something feels wrong.
Thank you for this video. I agree that inferior sounds hard to overcome. INFJ's are very capable of getting out there and may even go abruptly. I tend to think of it as my striving function. My failure to prioritize my physical exploration to an adequate degree has me in a difficult place, but I strive to overcome this.
Totally relate to this. I enjoy engaging with the concrete world but there will, especially in such calm external settings, often be a high Ni magnetism.
Finding a way to remain engaged with the concrete world (especially for long durations) can be tricky!
Really interesting. I've got weak Si but I do use it all the time.
Dipping into it in such a manner can make the development of the function so much easier too!
Harry: I'm curious if the "50% of persons" you mentioned corresponds to the masculine/feminine flavor of the 4th function in the grant stack method. And if so, if your own Se is of the masculine variety (meaning that your brand of Ni is feminine, or as Dr Nardi might call it "Oracle Ni"?)....
.I am predominantly of ExTJ preferences, thus TeFi. It's clear to me, and many assessors of my cognition, that my Te is feminine and my Fi is masculine.
As such, your oppositional terminology (vs inferior or aspirational or demon) resonates a lot for me, as I refer to my mFi as my fTe's "complimentary and balancing spine partner".
My Fi is something I segment into several components (Fi is way too big of a tent IMO for oversimplification) - cognitive Fi and bodily/somatic Fi. My cognitive Fi is super strong and decisive and insistent and extremely strong. My Te doesn't take a step in its building process without permission from my mFi. However and simultaneously, my bodily/somatic Fi is very weak and un-nuanced.
So I'm wondering about the 50% corresponding to feminine top and masculine bottom in the 4-function-emphasized grant stack arrangement. Perhaps your experience with mSe as "oppositional" is very strong in some Se dimensionality, as my cognitive masculine Fi is very strong for me?
I thought extraverted judging was for "navigating the outer world" (rather than extraverted perceiving), according to "mbti-notes" on Tumblr.
Can you make a video on integrating the oppositional function?
AH, excellent request!
@@CognitivePersonality nice!
I think the fourth function should be called the fouritury function or the bottom function
According to Socionics the weakest function is not the inferior function but the vulnerable or trickster function. For me as an INTP that is Se. I became a pilot because I tricked myself into thinking I was strong in Se, which I wasn't. It's been a struggle.
I can often see this for sure.
Thanks . I have better understanding .
Studies show strong mental thinking correlates to strong emotional intelligence.
All about the Ti-Fi dip.
In the “continuum” part, were you saying we access our 4th (oppositional) function through our 8th function? Since, according to your other video, we’re dipping between our 1st and 8th functions, of course more often in 1st. But that would only hold if it’s true that the introverted and extroverted forms of a function (for example, introverted thinking/extroverted thinking) are really one in the same. Since 4th and 8th are going to be such pairs of functions. I think you should make a video explaining that point more in depth, namely that the introverted and extroverted forms of a particular category of functions, thinking, feeling, sensing, or intuition, are really the same. Because, although the names of the functions suggest that, it’s not immediately clear when you look at the individual functions in action. Although, now that I’m thinking about it, I may be confusing the external behaviors that might be manifested by a particular cognitive function with the cognitive function itself.
I was more making the point that they are the same function :)
CPT doesn't order functions numerically, but I am indeed saying that, as two opposing sides of the same continuum, the two functions dip into one another in a fluid manner. Ni dipping into Si as in my case, Ti into Fi as in the case of an INTP etc.
You're right though, I do need to dedicate a video to breaking this down more thoroughly!
2:17 "I posit through CPT that there is no such thing as an inferior function" - there's Fi. Fi is clearly the inferior function.
/jk
/I just picked Fi since I made fun of INFJs last time...alright, SERIOUS QUESTION TIME!
***
So, if the oppositional function doesn't have to be a weak Achilles heel, could the reverse also be true - that the dominant function doesn't have to necessarily be an area of strength? Could you have somebody who's Te-dominant/Fi-oppositional but objectively stronger at feelings/ethics than logic/reasons?
Yes, this is exactly the case :) The dominant function is the primary domain of the ego complex and as such is far from impartial - I trust the observation of divergent functions more than I do convergent :)
this kinda makes sense since i have se inferior but have been an elite athlete my entire life
What are your thoughts on what is often dubbed the shadow functions?
I agree. Let's call it the 4th function / oppositional function. How would you say Se in 4th slot manifests since you're an an INFJ. Could you make an elaborate video on that?
- INTJ
Definitely - I'd like to make a video on Se in general too!
As Ni dominants Se is our primary lens, and why we tend to have a very focused and intense gaze. As I explore in my INFJ & INTJ video the way Se manifests in these types is relative to the codec to which it is attached - INTJs will have a detailed Se awareness of Te surroundings, hence why the type often has good spatial awareness, whereas the INFJ's Se is directed towards Fe surroundings.
@@CognitivePersonality wow i am getting a feeling it'll be a great analysis. I'll wait for it.
Is it possible to be infp and be better than istj at Te when it comes to organizing labour work?
not shure how jungian it is to say it the one weak spot... the achille foot isnt the inferior, the inferior is aspirational and esp later in life important, Jungs coworker von Franz wrote about it in her lectures book. The inferior isnt weak same as the ignoring 5. (beebe stack) or the vulnerable 7.
the 7 really is weak in me and its hurtful.
The inferior is called suggestive and we more and more like and learn it and its peace and relief. I think there ate weak spots but this one can be learned and is valued. its the key to fulfillment and peace.
but don't underestimate the power, the unconscious can have if disconnected, it can create massive mental turmoil, chaos, illness
Completely agreed - I feel the term 'inferior' encourages neglect of the function's development, the absence of which makes the mental turmoil you mention almost inevitable. Cheers for another great comment!
Cognitive Personality Theory thank you, very kind!
yes saying inferior should automatically oblige to read von franzes book😝
i think so often about what she described for my type and somehow hist eric says the same, I only relax Ne when I access Si, which is not easy of course.
Then is it possible for an individual to be out of touch with all of their functions (i.e. for all of them to be underdeveloped), even their dominant one.
In a manner of speaking yes, as full utilisation of a function requires a healthy relationship with complimentary and opposing functions.
You will always be conscious of your dominant function, but healthy utilisation requires the ability to 'let go' of our natural addiction to it :)
@@CognitivePersonality Got it. :)
"...weak little scrawny function that you can hardly use..." LOL You're cute and funny. :-)
Heh :D
What if it’s a coin, but the coin has more weight on one side. Causing the coin to land on the same side every time when tossed. You can with extra force and effort turn it on the opposite side. As an INTP, of course, their are times when I am forced to use Fe and Se more than I’d like to. but believe me I experience relief when it’s over. I agree with the spectrum thing. Sure everyone is on a spectrum, just like colors are on a spectrum. But most of the time we can clearly decide “hey, that car is blue and that plant is green” it’s rare that the color is so divergent that we find it hard to judge. And on those rare occasions sure we will have to say “that object is blue green”
If we simple resign and say “it’s all on a spectrum” we are deciding to stray from types and just take the object as is, on a case by case basis. Which if that’s someone’s preference that’s fine.
I respect your argument! I actually agree with all of this - it's not my intention to neutralise all values within typological systems so much as it is to present the shades of grey in between.
I coin the term 'cognitive magnetism' for what you're describing, and I very much feel the same way with my divergent stack - after socialising I just want to unwind absent company!
If I'm understanding it the way you intended, do you mean to say that "introverted" or "extroverted" are mere labels or prefixes added to a function? That they do not incorporate any specificity to the function in question? If so, is this not based entirely on the assumption that there exists no dichotomy and eveyone is an ambivert?
A great video by the way! Very informative.
No specifity outside of the orientation of the moment (external vs internal) - everyone has predispositions and in that sense the dichotomies exist, but this fluctuates across circumstances and as such shouldn't be boxed in. A function can vary in both introversion and extraversion, a continuum as it is, but this doesn't change the function itself - merely its orientation.
Thanks!
Think of it like this: introversion and extroversion aren't how social you are, it's dependent on how you view the world. Do you look at it from an internal perspective, or an external one? ENxPs are infamously awkward in many scenarios, and like to brainstorm in occasional, periodic isolation.
Common ... It is called the inferior function because it is closer to the unconscious, hence, it drags the whole consciousness to a more primitive level often. Of course we use all the functions, Jung never stated differently, but it is true that the "oppositional" function is way less developed and harder to controle. Introversion and extraversion binary constructs? Introversion and extraversion are two opposite directions of the libido flow, while the function is the same, many things change, we wouldn't have so many different personalities otherwise. What about dreams, where you can see often the shadow or the animus/anima in the inferior function type? Jung, moreover, stated that the anima/animus is the archetype which grounds us in reality. What about our natural touchiness when it comes to things related to our inferior function? Of course if you know about it it is easier to spot those situations and change accordingly.. I think you should read more Jung before going on a critique just because more than a century ago he called it "inferior" with many good arguments which are valid today. Your whole video was on the fact "inferior" is a "deregatory" term? What "deregatory" term if Jung was the first to point out that through the inferior function we would find wholeness in life, and you can interpret this from a cognitive perspective if you are too intellectual for the mythological .. You even touch upon the transcendent function or the middle realm and you do not understand it is a higher state of consciousness, not just the natural swapping between functions. Read more before you criticize Jung.
The inferior function does not drag consciousness to a more primitive level, and an antagonistic relationship with the function is optional. People are touchy with any function they do not happily engage in an active manner - the function is more observant than active, but this does not make it inferior.
There is a difference between recognising a function's proclivity to be supressed in some instances and outright labelling it inferior. The label isn't conducive to positive change and is far too easily used as a get-out clause. Recognising the cons of the function is absolutely essential, but I believe the current label is antagonistic to Jung's very agenda of individuation. My problem is not with Jung as a whole, and crticising a single label of his in no way shape or form criticises his entire methodology and perspective - it is as a proponent of Jung that I believe his use of the term inferior is ineffectual. He isn't a god and it is okay to criticise some aspects of his work :)
I appreciate you answering back to a video of nine months ago. It's just that I see Jung so often misenterpreted and it is a bit disappointing to me, since he gave us so much. But then you're right, he isn't a God and many things change. All in all, however, I think that the things you said were already contained in his theory, for example, he clearly stressed tha antagonistic relationship only in case ego consciousness became too one-sided, maybe the "oppositional" function does not make you outright primitive but I don't think you have that conscious controle you have with your main function... And moreover, when he talks about developing a function I think he refers not so much at the cognitive level, but at having a whole new perspective on life, which makes sense if we look at the psyche the way we interpret reality, and that's something which takes time
That's why he comes up with the idea of the middle realm or transcendent function, it's the state were you actually ubderstand the complementarity of the opposites ..
@@leonardolombardi2527 Sounds like we're on the same page. My intention with CPT is ultimately to place the emphasis once again on the individuation process and subsequent unification of opposites, but I want to ensure the lexicon I employ encourages this very growth mindset.
Great video.
When they (I don't know who "they" are) say that a cognitive function is inferior don't they MEAN what you are saying in your video?
Hasn't the term "inferior function" been perverted through informal (online) discourse?
Many, many MBTI practitioners use the inferior function to imply what I do in this video, but this doesn't change the fact they are limited by the lexicon - it is possible to interpret many terms in a positive manner, but it would sow far less confusion and dispute if the function weren't called inferior in the first place.
So I'm not necessarily disagreeing with how the better practioners perceive this function, but rather the emotionally charged lexicon I believe causes more harm than good.
And thanks!
I always thought it made sense to develop the inferior function precisely because it's often not as developed as it should be. Makes sense to work on the things that aren't strong yet, right? I really like the way this one MBTI youtuber put it (I guess I should look up who it was now, I'll credit her in a reply to my own comment haha): "it's useful to develop all of your cognitive functions at least to the point of when you can say 'passed the class with a C' " Though I must say that my PoLR Fi was messing me up WAY worse. Thankfully I worked on that and life is much better because of it, hehe.
Okay so I just realised that the person I was talking about is Michelle Wilson, whom I keep seeing in your comment section 👀😂. Both of you are awesome 😊
Michelle's great! The two of us are intending to collaborate soon so keep an eye out for that :)
Working on my Te as an INFJ has helped me loads, and is literally the reason I'm here doing this today!
Helpful but confusing. If everything is the same then where does the difference between types come from? I get the idea of the oppositional function not being creative (not able of being creative), while dominant function being free and creative as hell, but is that it? Is that enough for 16 types?..
It's not that everything is the same, but that differences are applied via 'preferences' rather than 'style of use' - the oppositional function is not inferior in an Ni dominant, but it has a different 'style of use' to that of an Se dominant :)
For me, personally, my “Oppositional Function” is pretty dang *inferior,* along with my *Blindspot Function.* “I Hate ‘em both!” That said, I do understand what makes them important to my overall well-being.
The thing is, they are both incredibly difficult to work with! Like, they literally take *everything out of me,* on a bad mental health day! Because I also have a Few Chronic Neuropsych conditions that can be *seriously exacerbated* by use of either, or both, for prolonged periods of time, due to my *below average / neurotypical* Stress Threshold. (Fi and Si.)
One of them is ADHD: Combined Presentation. But that mostly messes with executive functioning, which is only *Partly Si,* and a lil bit *Fi-Disruptive.*
The other Neuropsych conditions are more personal and also more severe! Let’s just say they are related to “Emotional, psychological, and occasional *physical trauma,*” and my Memory! 🙃
Which is why when people start *Harping On About* “shadow work,” I tell them that it is actually *really hard* to do, and it is necessary to be extremely careful!
For me, Playing with shadow Te is “True Neutral.” With it sometimes getting the job done, well enough! While other times *really pushing me deeply,* “into my bottom 2,” because the critical component (Te,) is actually so strong!
I experience *Nearly Zero* issues with Ni-Se, actually enjoying both! I can actually “Flip into Shadow Ni” pretty well! I just find it a bit distracting is all! While Se is *a very weird function* for me!
It is simultaneously, a *slight natural weakness,* but also an incredible “source-of-strength,” with tremendous therapeutic applications and benefits! (Mostly “Performance Art” for me, personally. Dancing, singing, improv, stuff like that!)
Both Ni and Se “play extremely well with” with my “dominant function” of Ne, and Ni-Se also often plays *an extremely vital role* in pulling me out of a Fi-Si induced “Episode.” Ni is my “Light,” back to Ne, and Se “makes me get up, and walk.” So I am *absolutely* “an irrational type,” by Jungian standards, with P almost always being my second highest score, behind N. (My “iNtuition scores” are never below 80%.)
As such, I generally try to keep Fi and Si “apart in my psyche,” as much as is “consciously possible,” if you will! They are *psychologically Dangerous* when “blending together and distorting my perception of time and reality.” Allowing them to *Conjoin* for too long almost always results in one of “the Flashbacks,” (and in recent years, we have found that there are several types.)
Going more directly back to the topic at hand, I generally can “Find” my “Introverted Feeling,” in my Blindspot. But I have *next-to-no* conscious awareness of it, moment to moment.
I literally have to sit somewhere quiet, for long enough, and contemplate, “thinking really hard,” using a rigorous Socratic-style internal Dialogue. However It is still *ever so slightly more accessible to me* than my inferior function of “Introverted Sensing.” I *have extremely little conscious control and regulation of Si!*
However, it’s definitely more “Potent” and Introverted Sensing packs much more of a “Cognitive Gut Punch,” than my Blindspot Fi.
My short-term working memory is crappy (Se is technically a member of “the shadow stack, afterall.) But my Long-term memory can *border on photographic,* in moments. It’s very freakin weird and extremely annoying, in academic and work settings. Cuz I am “brilliant, in all of the wrong moments!” So Si is an extreme thorn in my side.
Ti-Fe are basically one function for me, at this point! Most tests give me a 55%-60% / 40%-45% on my “Thinking vs Feeling Score.” Sometimes, even “flipping more towards Fe.”
The one and only function that seems to have a direct, consciously Recognizable Trace, providing a “safe, stable connection to Introverted Sensing” *is Introverted Thinking!* But it takes sooooooo many hours to “build the bridges and frames!” 😖
So, I’d say what makes my “Divergent Stack” more “Static” is *definitely* Introverted Sensing. As my Ti is actually *very fluid,* having almost as much neural communication and connectivity as Ne.
This will probably sound a bit nonsensical, but I can *feel* when Ti is “floating around, either working with, or against” the others. While Ne borders on “automatic,” always bouncing around like “a Ping-Pong Ball Machine,” or “Christmas Tree Lights.” (Anthro Dr Dario Nardi in The “Neuroscience of Personality.) So Ne still “has all of its hands, in the *Cognitive Cookie Jars.*” It does it with the help of “Introverted Thinking,” as Ti pulls “Si-encoded information from storage,” and forwards it to Ne.
So I guess that’s one thing I’d like to add! That my “Introverted Thinking” isn’t really that “static.” On the contrary, it interacts with quite a lot of “my stack.” It’s more that since “Introverted Sensing” is “unreliable In it’s conscious presentation and Manifestation,” that Ti essentially *has to babysit Si, in perpetuity!* But it “likes to play with the other kids, when it can.”
I know why you don’t like Tests OP-dude. But, depending on the quality of the test, they aren’t always *entirely useless,* as long as people are at least like ~17+, and “honest with themselves,” while taking the test. Then, if they can “interpret the data objectively and correctly,” then it becomes a *Blueprint for the Model!*
It’s actually a bit funny cuz you don’t really dig “cognitive function usage” tests, but all of the higher quality tests that I have taken, that have also given me my Correct Type, ENTP, line up quite nicely and consistently with your CPT model.
I definitely dug through *several sources,* comparing and contrasting the various methods individuals use, “what works and what doesn’t,” even looked at some raw visual data from albeit a very small sample, but mapped by EEG, and published in UCLA Anthropologist, Dr Dario Nardi’s the “Neuroscience of Personality,” along with some excerpts from Neuroscience text books, and other more specialized niche books.
They all helped to verify my Test Results, and my “Stack” *really does look something like* Ne-Ti-Ni-Te=Fe-Se-Si-Fi, which *really is* xNTF(S) and it really does line up pretty neatly with your “Convergence / Divergence” Model. Most Fluid: Ne, Fe, Se Most Transitory: Ni, Te, Ti. “Divergent:” Si, [Fi.]
So.. I totally dig it.
I relate to a lot of what you’re saying…
But this doesn’t strike me as ENTP at all. It strikes me as ENTJ or INTJ.
Just letting you know as someone who has nearly identical struggles with you, very much similar ways of thinking…
Even similar ways of expressing. Talk with ENTPs… and you WILL NOT typically get your form of expression, either the problems you’re mentioning.
But talk with REAL ENTJs and INTJs… and you’ll find a lot more relatability.
I suspect ENTJ for myself over INTJ; even though I’ve been in my “divergent” aspects for a long time.
I’ve gone through the same motions you’re describing… I think it is worth exploring this a bit more.
Fi and Si ARE my struggle functions.
I ALSO suffer neuro-divergence in the sense of ADHD, if not also “autism” (I score as neuro-divergent, but I think it’s INSULTING to PROFOUNDLY autistic people and their families to adopt such a label when my struggles are nothing compared to theirs…)
I think that Si argues with Ni a bit. AND, I’ve recently learned that what the REST OF THE FAILING MBTI world classified as Introverted Feeling is, in reality, NOT SO.
Try exploring the possibility that it is actually EXTRAVERTED FEELING that you are so opposed to in others.
Also, explore the possibility that the reason why your idea of Fi is practically non-existent is because your idea of it is BASED UPON OTHERS’ FAULTY DESCRIPTIONS of it.
I’m noticing a more pronounced aversion to Fe rather than Fi the more I see and deal with Fe in everyday life…
Fe users who lack self-awareness are SOCIOPATHIC; and only care about themselves. Their personal interpretation of what is right for EVERYONE else is about the most offensive thing on the planet to me.
Combined with the fact that Fe often associates with Si, which, for those who use it without self-awareness, it becomes a bullying function…
Basically, the social paradigm of Fe-Si is really anathema to those who THINK and FEEL for themselves what is right and wrong.
Si tends to think it KNOWS for a fact something that it doesn’t really know (and the Ne other side of the coin will tend to find EVERY JUSTIFICATION for what Si claims to know…)
And Fe will demand that those Si observations are IMPLEMENTED (and Ti will be used to JUSTIFY the implementation to one’s self…)
You see what I mean?
And if your “Fi” has been trashed by some entities performing these judgments on you… then you’ll actually see Fi as a struggle; even IF it’s YOUR FUNCTION.
And your Si will be repressed naturally in opposition, making the Ne side of the coin SEEM more attractive, therefore causing one to overly identify with the function.
Your preferences will tend to be more relaxed than that.
So…
I’m not saying I can tell you your type - I CAN’T.
But………..
I think you should consider my words.
I’m sorry for not elaborating more intelligently; I’m in a semi-demanding environment right now.
Yeah, I can tell just from your picture; by the LOOK with the eyes, and the intelligence in your post…
You’re just like me. You’re either XNTJ, or I NEED TO GO BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD…
Or, we’re so close within the matrix of cognitive differences that even if we are different types, we’re just barely sitting on opposite sides of any fence.
I don’t see many REAL intelligent people with that “force” behind them.
You might be overly associating with stereotypical “I.Q. memes” and trying to make your decision based on what you KNOW about yourself (which you’re not ALLOWED to know…) - that you’re VERY smart… not JUST above average.
Just saying.
Not using flattery. Do not mistake me.
Ok simp
Oh, once again, very interesting! You got me curious about the idea of 'rotating around one's axis'. In your model, would that be something fairly unconscious ? Or is it something we can 'turn on' for a certain amount of time? Are you suggesting that having a relatively well developped oppositionnal fonction would equate to being able to remain 'rotated' for a longer duration?
For my personal experience, it certainly feels like a switch I can flip. If I rely too long on my convergent stack, I start feeling I'm not assertive enough. But if I 'diverge' too much, I wonder why in the world I inflict it upon myself and turn it off ! Always feels like a balancing act...
Anyways, greetings again from France !
Thanks for the great comment as usual!
Developing the oppositional can definitely extend comfortable duration of convergent employment, as can learning to better 'let go of' our dominant function.
Your own account is a good one! It does feel like a literal switch, as as it is often from one extreme to another (especially initially) feelings of ambivalence on either side of the cognitive stack are pretty natural!
@@CognitivePersonality From your reply, I gather that I have not yet a complete understanding of your use of the convergent/divergent words, since where I said 'to diverge' you are replying 'to use in convergent manner'. Is there a subtlety there or am I over-dissecting your sentence? :D
@@kcl7864 You've got it right in that, as a default, our opposing stack (ie the extraverted functions of an introvert) inhabit a divergent state in our usual position - however, when we rotate on our axis we essentially switch our attitudes around. So, if we are to use these functions to observe, they are divergent, whereas when we employ them to enact change in the world they become convergent.
The fluidity of the system is a blessing and a curse as it does get pretty complicated when nothing is set in stone :)
@@CognitivePersonality Hmm! I need to think some more about this! In the mean time, I'd like to bounce another idea off you. I was thinking of how many INFJ report being HSP (highly sensitive persons). I was wondering if it could be considered as a strong manifestation of Se. If so, it would show that having a preference for Ni doesn't necessarly mean that Se is weak, as you are suggesting in your video. Any thoughts?
@@kcl7864 I wouldn't say an INFJ has a higher chance of being a HSP but I would say a highly sensitive nature can manifest differently dependent on stack.
Se lenses can definitely manifest more typical HSP traits as anxiety and such is fueled by intense, concrete experience. ISFPs, ESFPs, INFJs, ENFJs may be altogether more evasive in their vulnerabilities, whereas ENTPs etc may hide in plain sight. It can completely vary.
I wouldn't say an Extraverted Sensing is more anxiety inducing than Introverted Sensing, as an INFP will still relate to past events in a similarly intense manner.
Taking in Se-Fe information and collating it via Ni-Ti can create a tremendous fear of rejection and other undesirable social situations, perhaps more so (typically) than Ne-Fe into Si-Ti :)
I think this is a very important perspective. It would be strange if the healthy mind was fighting itself or if for example feelers, had no or little ability to think.
One though how ever. I think you have to watch out so you don't answer the question "why are we different" with "we are all pretty similar". While the later is true it isn't a helpful answer to the question. If everyone can and need to do everything why do we do it differently.
Thanks for the great comment!
CPT recognises we all have natural predispositions, and how each function can have a certain quality within each type, but arguing for the avoidance of an overly rigid and hierarchical approach as I do in this video may have gave the impression I don't believe in types at all! :)
Atleast to me it is inferior. I know what i have to do (Fi) but i don't know how to do (Te).
Copied from dictionary.cambridge.org:
"ANATOMY specialized of the lower surface of a body part
MEDICAL specialized used to refer to a body part that is below another body part:"
From that perspective, I don't feel that "inferior" is a negative word.
Can't remember hearing you define the word before using it, but as a part of an anatomy - it can be said to be equally important part of the body of the psyche?
Inferior, as in deeper depth (in a body of water). Jung also stressed that he chose to explain the extremes, when writing about types, to make the outlining of the concept easier - and with the help of his alchemical writings, what he wrote, to me feels very similar to what you are saying. The marriage of the four functions - marriage quaternio - or the transcendent function? The functions as a double uroboros, in conjunction - as the Opus!
An INFP trying to share my initial thoughts here. Loved the video, and will keep this in the back of my mind in my future reading!
Ahhh, yes I have also found this term within anatomy!
You make a very fair point - I think modern audiences can easily misinterpret the term inferior to imply something derogatory, as it has a lot of negative stigma attached to it, but I do concede inferior in this instance can refer to a powerful unconscious depth :)
Cheers for the awesome thoughts, I appreciate you commenting!
@@CognitivePersonality Wanted to add this, to allow Jung himself correct any misrepresentation of his words on my behalf.
Man And His Symbols, Jung's words on "The problem of types" (apx 15 minutes) and "The soul of man" th-cam.com/video/4M3fDLQLuLI/w-d-xo.html [35:40-1:02:00]
... for anyone who might be interested in this, with much better words than I am able to write!
I do like the word oppositional, but also have no problem with calling it inferior. Inferior to my mind thinks of it as “below”the others on the stack. Not less than or anything derogatory.
Good video but your ti explanation of an inferior being irrelevant actually plays into individualised development of specific types. We could even argue that personality type is only presented as an aspect of self and is thus irrelevant, which is why people who latch on to presented labels actually limit their individual growth.
Cheers for the comment!
I appreciate your point on individualisation, but it is for this very reason I posit the static assignment of 'inferior' to one function in such a universal manner as irrational - as you say, it depends upon the person, but this can be applied to many functions. Furthermore, functions are so multi-faceted you can have a function behaving in an inferior manner in some conditions and not in others.
Cognitive type as an assignment of 'strong to weak' functions is indeed irrelevant as that's not how functions operate; cognitive type as an assignment of natural predispositions for different functions to act in contrasting ways is not only a recognition of the cognitive tendencies that make up individuality (particularly the more static components) but also a recognition of the means by which a cognition can fluctuate according to the circumstances.
I believe there is a great difference between pointing out the over-simplification of assigning an overwhelmingly important and multi-faceted cognitive function an unhealthy label of inferiority, and noting the tendency of one person to process information in a different way to another.
That being said, I constructed CPT to blur the lines between personality types and perceive the many shades of grey in between without relying upon further rigidity to identity subtypes and the like. So, to an extent, I do believe the concept of personality type is irrelevant, particularly in regards to the notion of a direct link between cognition and the absolute minefield that is personality :)
Can you tell me why ENFP's hate cleaning. Why are dishes the bane of an ENFP's existence?😆
I like what your saying, although you use the term "opposition function" ambiguously. Is it the fourth function on a person's stack? Or is it the internalized (or externalized) attitude of a cognitive function? Do I have to use your visual data to determine which one you mean?
I really like your idea (I understand it may not be "yours"...come on) of the cognitive stack being flipped on its head. So I'm an infp but if I employ my Te (or allow external info to form my decisions) I can be an estj temporarily.
I like CS Joseph's method with a chart on a white board, where the flipped opposition function is represented as the "subconscious", with the fourth function, being a "gateway function" to the estj side of the mind (in my case). There's also an "unconscious" or "Shadow" side of the mind which corresponds to what you call the "dip functions" or the opposite attitude to which ever function (ie. Fi dips into Fe, etc)
The process of accessing the different sides of the mind (ie. dip functions or using opposition functions as primary) are what Joseph calls "cognitive transitions"
According to CSJ the inferior function is the strongest of all when aspirational.
Nice!
Who is csj?
@@soulfulspec youtuber cs joseph
@@jaredvaughan1665 thank you. I wanted to make sure this is who you meant before commenting further. I personally find that guy to have a fundamentally flawed system and a lack of understanding at a deep level for MBTI, often times feeding from the stereotypical definitions to draw bizzarre conclusions. He's confident enough to pass off his material though. I would highly recommend being very skeptical of him. Cheers!
3:01 yesssss
The term 'inferior' has got to go!
Cognitive Personality Theory 💯
Dominant and auxiliary functions are the right hand T/F and eye N/S (Solar, eminent), tertiary and inferior left eye S/N and hand F/T (Lunar, occult).
Western society has an distaste for “Leftness” in that way the association btw 4th function and inferiority tracks.
A system was made 100 years ago, whoever made it must be a super hero hehehe
Hahaha
I haven’t finished the video but are you picking at the term “inferior”🤔 it’s a word. It doesn’t have to mean that the function is not beneficial. It’s simply lower in the stack. It’s intertwined with the dominant. Our weaknesses are interlinked to our strengths. It’s also interesting that you don’t want to say inferior but you call it negative. Someone else could be offended by it being considered negative. Words are symbols with representative meanings. It shouldn’t matter what word we use as long as we understand the meaning behind the symbol. So many of the terms that Jung coined don’t mean what the words seem to indicate.
Thanks for your comment! It is very, very easy (for newcomers especially) for people to interpret 'inferior' in this instance as implying something to the effect of 'not used very well', and I would also add that a dominant-inferior distinction perpetuates a cognitive function hierarchy model that I consider to be inferior.
The video is not simply picking at semantics, but, more than that, trying to present an argument as to the usefulness of a function that some (certainty not all of course) people may very well consider to be a scrawny little function that is on the whole 'under-employed'.
I do consider terminology to be important, and this is less about disarming offensive connotations than it is presenting a more holistic overview of a multifaceted function :)
Cognitive Personality Theory I understand. 🙂I struggle to accept that people can and are mislead by terminology. For sure, people that are put in a position of being considered an “expert” should use simple, clear and accurate terminology👍
disorganized, repetitive, assertions lacking meaningful supporting arguments -- this was painful to listen to
Haha! Truly my thoughts shared in this video must have been lacking any weight or substance for you to have had such an overwhelmingly negative experience - I'm sorry to hear it!
Be sure to let me know of any ways I could specifically improve upon future content to make it less allegedly nonsensical :)
ESTP-appreciate the repetitiveness, as it reinforces and restates the concepts so that I can digest the message. Loved it! Need to listen again before providing a comment with more substance.
@@rachelbass7914 Thanks so much Rachel - that's what I hoped!