The following is a quote (with some modifications) from "Let's Look at the World from the Perspective of MBTI Personality Type Theory" (website no longer exists).
Introverted thinking and extroverted feeling work together, supporting each other. Their collaborative efforts lead to a unified perception.
The introverted thinking psychological function involves thinking about things logically and striving for deeper understanding. It is keen to spot inconsistencies and flaws in reasoning, and continuously pursues more reliable explanations. This rigorous pursuit of theoretical knowledge is conducted independently within the individual. Those with a strong introverted thinking function tend to prioritize solitary contemplation over close relationships with others. Being skeptical, they are often unconcerned with authority and frequently discover errors in commonly held beliefs. They also prioritize clear theoretical explanations over interpersonal relationships and the opinions of others. Therefore, if this tendency is too strong, they may unknowingly distance themselves from others and struggle to gain support and help. Those with a strong introverted thinking function tend to be selfish, using effective conclusions for themselves or a small group of people. While independent thinking is certainly extremely important, it's crucial to remember that every human being is supported from birth.
The extroverted feeling function plays a significant role in sharing emotions with others and fostering relationships. It involves empathizing with others' words, actions, and expressions while simultaneously clearly expressing one's own opinions and values. It values social etiquette and strong interpersonal bonds, nurturing individuals and supporting their independence, while striving for collaboration within a disciplined society. In this way, social interests are protected, and individual interests are naturally safeguarded. However, those with a strong extroverted feeling function may, due to their intense desire for empathy and strong interpersonal bonds, become overly focused on these aspects, sometimes failing to notice inconsistencies in others' statements or their shortcomings. Furthermore, while they desire to communicate as much as possible and engage with the outside world, they tend to neglect independent, focused thinking. This can lead to decisions where their own interests are neglected, or decisions that harm the overall good.
From this perspective, introverted thinking and extroverted feeling appear to be opposing forces. When these two psychological functions work in an unstable manner within an individual, a conflict arises between selfishness and altruism. Thoughts of manipulating others to gain personal gain may also run through one's mind.
Making decisions that ensure social safety and benefit requires deep consideration, and the accumulation, application, and development of knowledge requires a social foundation. Currently, it is difficult to prove theories or solve problems efficiently all by one person; it requires the help and approval of many people. Even people who are interested in and focused only on things, events, or theories may be doing so not only for themselves but also for those close to them. Sometimes, approval from others is the motivation. This is why they can be motivated and find security in being recognized. On the other hand, people with strong extroverted feeling tend to care more about and dedicate themselves to others than to themselves, which can sometimes harm their own interests. However, efficient solutions are necessary to help many people and bring benefits. And whether they realize it or not, building smooth cooperative relationships is the safest, most efficient, and most beneficial way to maximize profits. In doing so, in order to avoid becoming simply dependent or entangled in a relationship, it is necessary to strive for, achieve, and maintain mutual independence.
End of quote from "Let's Look at the World from the Perspective of MBTI Personality Type Theory" (website no longer exists) (partially modified)
cognitive axis
Extraverted Feeling (Fe)・Introverted Thinking (Ti)These are opposing psychological functions that complement each other. Furthermore, the characteristics of each function differ depending on which function is dominant.
In the following, the psychological functions mentioned earlier will be referred to and explained as the primary function (dominant function).
*In the following explanation, the first function (dominant function) and the fourth function (inferior function) are described as a pair, but the second function (auxiliary function) and the third function (alternative function) are also complementary pairs.
Fe-Ti's characteristics and catchphrases
Extraverted Feeling (Fe)A type in which this is well-developed (ENFJ、ESFJ) has a cognitive axis of Fe-Ti.
- Follow social rules and regulations.(Fe)Because that is the most logical thing to do.(Ti)
- "What we need is..."(Fe)"People need it."(Fe)"What people like is..."(Fe)」
- "To do for others"(Fe)Because that's obvious / It's logical.(Ti)Because it is expected of me(Fe)」
Characteristics and catchphrases of Ti-Fe
Introverted Thinking (Ti)A type in which this is well-developed (INTP、ISTP) has a Ti-Fe cognitive axis.
- Understanding Society(Fe)To accumulate knowledge(Ti)
- "why(Ti)"This can be done like this."(Ti)"This is true for a+b."(Ti)"The result of a + b is c."(Ti)"It can be done like this."(Ti)」
- "It will be good for everyone/for society"(Fe)I will learn/do it that way(Ti)"Because people want to know about it."(Fe)I will learn/do it that way(Ti)」
The synthesis of introverted thinking (Ti) and extroverted feeling (Fe).
Mastering both introverted thinking (Ti) and extroverted feeling (Fe) requires considerable effort. Generally, people tend to favor one over the other.
So, how can we integrate (synthesize) introverted thinking (Ti) and extroverted feeling (Fe)?
I've explained the method in the following article, so please take a look.
For those who want to learn more about psychological functions
An Introduction to MBTI: Applying Jung's "Theory of Types" to Everyday Life』This book provides a detailed explanation of each psychological function.This book is so excellent that it's no exaggeration to say you'll understand everything about MBTI after reading it.There are many pages,Tables and documents that are not found on the internet or in other books.The data is abundant and very helpful.How to deal with aspects of your personality that you are not good at (=inferior functions)やClassification of ST/NT typesやHow to make the most of your individual typeetc.Tables and documents）
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