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This is a discussion on Using cognitive functions in an order that doesn't fit an MBTI type within the Cognitive Functions forums, part of the Personality Type Forums category; I just realized, in another thread, that I may sometimes use my cognitive functions in an order that doesn't fit ...
I just realized, in another thread, that I may sometimes use my cognitive functions in an order that doesn't fit any of the 16 personality types (Ni Se Fe Ti). Does anyone else do that? It seems that it should be theoretically possible to have many more personality types than 16, because the number of possible function combinations is way more than that. I think it's 24 x 16= 384 possible different cognitive function combinations.
No one else does, and you don't either. Cognitive functions don't work that way--they are attitudes, not abilities. When I remember something, I'm not using Si, I'm just remembering something, and it's the same with all the rest. Each function needs its "opposite" in order to function; otherwise, you would be probably be clinically insane. For example, my dominant function is Ne; therefore, I MUST have Si. They operate on a continuum, where one necessarily needs the other. However, Si is my least developed attitude, so far.
It works the same way for judgment functions. EVERYONE has a Pe, Je, Pi, and Ji function in their "top four". That's just the way the theory works.
Extremely short, but there are other articles about this on the website.
What about the whole "dominant, auxiliary, tertiary, inferior" order of functions? Is that approach no longer relevant?Originally Posted by Third Engine
I think it's important to remember that this is a theory. One that may never be proven, or disproven. (Not addressing any one person, just stating a fact.) Everyone uses all 8 of the functions at various times and in varying way, depending on the structure of their personality. It's not logical to say that the functions work independently of each other. Its the way that they work together that creates a viable personality type, IMO at least. The functions have theoretically been linked with various attributes, Ni with vision, Fi with morality etc. But every human possesses these attributes to varied degrees. It's these variations that distinguish personality types from each other. (How many forms of the word vary can YOU use in one paragraph! ;p)
What do you mean? Of course it is--it's the way any certain type's functions are laid out.
If you agree that each type has certain functions laid out in a specific order, then doesn't it seem possible that someone could use their cognitive functions in a particular order routinely that isn't characteristic of one of the existing 16 types? Just thinking out of the box here.....
Strictly speaking, everyone uses all 8 functions, the only question is in which order. Myres-Briggs simply only allows for certain configurations of those 8 functions because they "make sense".
That is the theory, yes, but it's good to remember that it's all conjecture. There's nothing to say that an alternative model of arraigning the functions wouldn't be better, it's just that MB doesn't allow for it and the people who've thought about it a lot like this way. Remember that Jung didn't agree on the tertiary function.
I like the establishment of 8 functions, the establishment of the dominant perceiving and judging functions, and the establishment of the dominant one from those two. The farther away from those you get, the more speculative it is. Frankly, I am not yet convinced that the inferior function is properly decided.
Myres-Briggs changed how Jung used the inferior function, but it's definitely a part of the theory.
Right. That's what I alluded to above. If you accept the 8 functions (T, F, S, and N each in I or E mode), M-B theorizes that everyone has all of those functions, but that only certain combinations makes sense. It does seem somewhat obvious about how the primary and secondary functions work. But are other combinations valid? I haven't studied it enough to know what the arguments are that the 16 M-B personalities are the only valid ones, but it certainly seems arbitrary that the bottom 4 couldn't be swapped around.
It is just theory. We don't have to resort accepting every single combination since it does seem that the 16 proposed ones cover all the bases, but I don't know enough about how the inferior function and the rest of them were decided.
Just remember that what it feels like what you are using isn't necessarily what you are using. Since they are natural preferences, you may not realized how often you use something.
Well, this assumes that cognitive functions are actions, which they are not. You cannot "use" Ne, Se, Ni, or whatever; rather, it's more of a worldview. For example, you are an INFJ. Your first and strongest function is Ni. You value this attitude the most highly. In order to make sense of what you perceive, you need an attitude of how to judge things. Since your dominant trait is inward, your secondary must be outward (extroverted) in order for you to be a psychologically healthy human being. Therefore, you tend to make your decisions along the lines of the values of the group you are a part of (Fe).
Function order and function strength (I assume that's what you mean by use) are not the same thing. Just because you scored higher use on one function than the other on the test does not make that your dominant function. In fact, the test is only as accurate about you as how much you know yourself, so don't bet anything on it unless you're ridiculously self aware.
In plainer terms: You can score 50 points on Ni and 60 on Fe, but still use Ni as your dominant function because A) the test was wrong, or B) you spend more time focusing on other people than yourself. If you take the test again when you are focused more on yourself, your introverted functions will appear higher. If you take it when you're devoting everything to the people around you, chances are your extroverted functions and feeling functions will be higher. You can't expect everyone to use their eight functions in the exact same way every given hour of every day. Your MBTI type tells you your core personality, but in order to measure function use we have to look at your actions, which are not the same thing. Who you are is an INFJ (Ni Fe Ti Se). That doesn't change. The reason your functions are appearing at different strengths is due to how you use them in your daily life.
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