INTP or ISTP

Hiiiiiiii...
I'm new here and i'm confused what is the REAL DIFFERENCE between INTP and ISTP ?
I found that these two types has many similliarities...
And forgive my english spelling and grammar..
It's not my first language...

Here you go bro. A word of caution. This may be Socionics, I can't remember. So be careful when you think you have the functions defined between differing theories of typology.

ISTP - INTP/INTJ

While the poster before offered a link, I'd like to address this in an extended manner.

The difference between ISTP and INTP is large; it's not as simple as switching between a 'sensor' and an 'intuitive'. You'd be best to read different descriptions of the two, as well as certain comparisons that are scattered all across the internet, but I'll try to offer a view on the functions, which aren't addressed as much.

ISTPs and INTPs both use the same dominant function: Introverted Thinking (Ti). Ti has to do with having a system oriented towards the introverted world, or the world of the mind. Both INTPs and ISTPs use it as a 'file drawer', calling upon principles and information they've accumulated over their lives to judge other information or situations, both in the introverted and extroverted, or physical, world. Since Ti is their dominant functions, INTPs and ISTPs rely on this first and foremost, having used it for most of their lives.

Where ISTPs and INTPs begin to differ are their supportive functions: ISTPs call upon Extroverted Sensing (Se), while INTPs call upon Extroverted Intuition (Ne). Since both functions are oriented towards the physical world, they are the functions with which INTPs and ISTPs take on information to assess with Ti. Extroverted Sensing is primarily used in the here and now, using the five senses to view the world as well as take action in it. Extroverted Intuition notices trends and patterns within the physical world, using these as a predictor to take action in the physical world. Sensing and Intuition, on the whole, differ, because Sensing is usually thought to be oriented towards now, whereas Intuition focuses on the future. These supportive functions usually develop fully within ISTPs and INTPs into their early to late teenage years.

INTPs and ISTPs also differ in their tertiary functions: ISTPs use Introverted Intuition (Ni), while INTPs use Introverted Sensing (Si). Tertiary functions usually develop in early adulthood, and don't see much use until then. For ISTPs, Ni represents connecting unrelated things and foreseeing certain trends. For INTPs, Si represents calling upon past information to assess present information, setting a standard in their minds for what works and what does not.

INTPs and ISTPs share the same inferior function: Extroverted Feeling, or Fe. Inferior functions never fully develop until late adulthood, or unless a concentrated effort is made to develop it early. Extroverted Feeling is about assessing the 'emotions' of the physical world, both the INTP/ISTP's as well as the others around them. INTPs and ISTPs won't appear to use this function at all, and it will work in a hidden manner.

I hope this wasn't too complicated.

I'm not terribly familiar with INTPs and ISTPs in practice; maybe you ought to explore the forums we have for both personality types to get a better picture.

To add on to Grey's post, you can also make an analogy of INTP v ISTP to deductive v inductive reasoning.
An INTP uses deductive, by starting with a general conclusion by perceiving patterns in the physical world then finds the facts to support that conclusion. Planning out multiple scenarios and gathers from their external world evidence to support one (or more) of their plans eliminating and creating new ones during the process. They start with the framework(s) and then input the evidence to see if it supports it or not.
An ISTP on the other hand starts small, by gathering the evidence first in the physical world, then builds upon each new piece of information until they can finally put together the big picture. They start with the facts then move to a general conclusion. ISTP's look for the pattern after gathering the facts, so that they are basically using concrete evidence to support a theory. An INTP on the other hand uses theory to support concrete evidence.

Originally Posted by Rourk

Here you go bro. A word of caution. This may be Socionics, I can't remember. So be careful when you think you have the functions defined between differing theories of typology.

ISTP - INTP/INTJ

That actually is MBTI, not Socionics.

However, Linda Berens did add a new twist with the Interaction Styles (like the Chart the Course™ style mentioned in the article).

Originally Posted by Rourk

Here you go bro. A word of caution. This may be Socionics, I can't remember. So be careful when you think you have the functions defined between differing theories of typology.

ISTP - INTP/INTJ

I've been having difficulty on pinpointing my type and it's these sort of descriptions that kill me.In trying to differentiate the two types it seems to me as if the only make them more similar.

An INTP described his preferred work style as exploring problems and sub-problems (Ne), while his ISTP colleague described a tactical trouble shooting approach with a focus on getting the task done (Se)

Isn't the act of exploring problems and sub-problems a part of a tactical trouble shooting work style?

An ISTP behaves like a Bear, overbearing, insensitive, and physically powerful, lives in the forest amongst the trees. An INTP behaves like an Eagle, aloof, misunderstood, sees the forest and does not get lost in the trees.

Originally Posted by Sigint

I've been having difficulty on pinpointing my type and it's these sort of descriptions that kill me.In trying to differentiate the two types it seems to me as if the only make them more similar.



Isn't the act of exploring problems and sub-problems a part of a tactical trouble shooting work style?

That would probably mean you are ISTP. I'm not being judgemental. I'm just saying that ISTP's aren't a big fan of theory for the sake of discussing the ideas. I know that I had to shut up with my ISTP friend because I would go on about theories and ideas. But this isn't always the case either. ISTP's can do anything.

Let me ask you this. When you go out, do you engage people? Se always wants to engage people, it's action, dynamic. I'm more withdrawn when I go to the INTJ point. I'm not going to get ridiculous. INTP's can go all ridiculous too I think. But I think mostly with INTJ's you are going to see a veneer of self calm.



But I speculate I had an ISTP teacher who taught Statics for Mechanical Engineering. I think ISTP and INTJ are mistaken because they like to apply theory. But then again, so do some INTP's. They just seem more content to observe ina detached manner and not engage things actively.

What is your Enneagram ty pe? I get a 6 vibe from you.

Originally Posted by Perseus

An ISTP behaves like a Bear, overbearing, insensitive, and physically powerful, lives in the forest amongst the trees. An INTP behaves like an Eagle, aloof, misunderstood, sees the forest and does not get lost in the trees.

Perseus hit that bang on. In the real world it is simple to pick out INTP. Usually writing style alone will weed out the ISTP.

Originally Posted by TreeBob

Perseus hit that bang on. In the real world it is simple to pick out INTP. Usually writing style alone will weed out the ISTP.

Bang on eh? as opposed to Bang off.


I've been having quite a few bang offs lately. I hope the economy gets better. These bang offs are really starting to hurt my &*^#