Carl Gustav Jung’s exploration of psychological types delved into both the universal and the individual aspects of human psychology.
Jung assumed that people share a common psychological foundation for perceiving and responding to the world, both externally and internally.
In his 1921 work, “Psychological Types” (CW VI), Jung aimed to answer these questions. He proposed the concept of four functions: sensation, thinking, feeling, and intuition.
Jung’s second key differentiation is on whether individuals place more significance on external, objective events or internal, subjective experiences. This contrast defines whether their attitude towards reality is primarily extraverted or introverted.
Jung’s typology laid the groundwork for understanding the interplay of these functions and attitudes within the human psyche. It marked a pivotal step, offering insights into the diverse ways people perceive, think, feel, and intuitively respond to the world around them.
Jung’s Methodology by Describing Psychological Types
The human typology must answer two fundamental questions:
First, what are the essential components of this individual psychological equipment?
Secondly, how do individuals differ in using these components to establish their way of adapting to reality?
Creating Terms of Introversion and Extroversion
Each individual’s psychology is shaped by their attitude towards functions. These attitudes profoundly influence behaviour and interactions.
The extravert focuses on the outer world, displaying an outgoing and adaptable nature. They readily form connections and venture into unknown situations with confidence.
In contrast, the introverts primary concern is their inner world. They possess a reflective, reserved nature and are often defensive, preferring mistrustful scrutiny.
Extraverts thrive in social settings, embracing new experiences with ease. Introverts, on the other hand, approach the world with caution, choosing introspection over external engagement.
This duality in attitudes underscores the complexity of human personality. It emphasizes the significance of both introversion and extraversion, as they contribute to the rich tapestry of human interaction and experience. Understanding these attitudes provides insights into how individuals perceive and engage with the world, shedding light on the diversity of human nature.
Jung’s Four Functions: Thinking, Feeling, Sensation and Intuition
In Jung’s framework, rational functions encompass thinking and feeling. On the other hand, irrational functions include sensation and intuition. These functions represent manifestations of psychic energy (libido), offering insight into how individuals process sensory perceptions and mental contents in their consciousness. It’s likely that the origin of these fourfold functions has a physiological basis, reflecting how the world, in all its given experiences, can be perceived through four distinct lenses.
In “Psychological Types” Jung describes the different characteristics of the four functions in great detail, but he summed up this information in “Man and his Symbols,” published two years after his death:
“These four functional types correspond to the obvious means by which consciousness obtains its orientation to experience. Sensation tells us that something exists; thinking tells you what it is; feeling tells you whether it is agreeable or not; and intuition tells you whence it comes and where it is going”
Man and his Symbols, 61
Thinking and feeling are essentially rational because they orient themselves toward connections that are comprehensible to reason. Their measure is judgment.
In contrast, sensation and intuition belong to irrational functions. They are based on sensory perceptions, representing a pre-logical reality.
Rational and irrational functions can coexist, with secondary functions supporting primary ones. However, among the functions themselves, they are inherently at odds.
From classical times up to the present many other typologies have been devised. Interestingly, the categories into which these typologies are divided are commonly four in number. It is as if the mind has a natural propensity to orientate itself through a tetrad of paired oppositions, the indispensable instrument of orientation, the magnetic compass of the human psyche.
On Rational Functions
Both thinking and feeling are fundamentally rational, oriented toward comprehensible relationships that align with reason. They involve judgments based on logical considerations.
These distinctions may not immediately resonate with everyone. Some struggle to see feeling as a rational process. To better understand Jung’s feeling function, one needs to consider it as a judgmental process focused on values. Thus, Jung’s feeling function isn’t synonymous with emotions. Calling it “evaluative function” would be a more suitable term.
Thinking
as a function, aligns with the logical aspect of the world, recognizing its organization based on principles like causality, space, and time.
Feeling
as Jung defines it, involves making value judgments. It assesses events as pleasant or unpleasant, beautiful or ugly, desirable or undesirable. This process relies on evaluative reflection, rooted in past experiences, making it rational.
On Irrational Functions
While Jung labels these functions as “irrational,” he doesn’t imply they are pathological or mad. Instead, he suggests they operate independently of reason. Therefore, “non-rational” would be a more accurate description.
Sensation
serves as the mechanism for processing sensory information in our consciousness. It allows us to form perceptions of the world. In contrast, intuition helps us make inferences about the possibilities within a given situation.
Intuition
is rooted in sensory experiences that represent a pre-logical reality.
C.G. Jung’s Eight Psychological Types
Out of the two attitude types and the four functional types it becomes theoretically possible to describe eight psychological types: the extraverted sensation type, the introverted sensation type, the extraverted thinking type, the introverted thinking type, and so on.
Jung observed that it is rare for people to make exclusive use of one function: they tend to develop two functions, usually one rational function and one irrational function; one of these becomes the primary superior function and the other an auxiliary function. The other two functions remain relatively unconscious. The more unconscious of these is known as the inferior function. Thus, it is unusual to find thinking and feeling, sensation and intuition, developed in the same person. As a result, the rational functions, thinking and feeling, can be conceived as a pair of opposites, as can the irrational functions, sensation and intuition.
In “Psychological Types,” Jung offers detailed insights into the eight personality types shaping human behaviour and cognition. Understanding these profiles enables us to appreciate the diversity in how individuals perceive and engage with the world.
Extraverted Function Types
An individual with an extraverted thinking type, where thinking is the differentiated function, primarily perceives the world from its rational, logical aspect. According to their extraverted attitude, this peaple tend to let the external world determine their thinking. They intellectually align their subjective claims with the objective demands, for example, societal norms. In the best case, they are socially successful, responsible, and rational. In the worst case, they become over-adaptive, overly rationalistic moralists who subject not only themselves but also others to the yoke of “objective facts.”
Jung wrote:
When we consider a human life, we see how the destinies of one are more conditioned by the objects of his interest, while the destinies of another are more conditioned by his own inner life, by his subject.
Extraverted Thinking Types
These individuals base their actions on intellectual considerations aligned with external standards. They prioritize outer conditions over theories, valuing practical rules and often appear aloof due to their focus on logic. They excel at problem-solving, business reorganization, and discerning the essential from the trivial.
Their focus lies on practical solutions, and they often seek universally applicable rules. Their tendency to prioritize thinking over feeling can make them appear distant or unemotional. In its finest form, this type exhibits social success, responsibility, and rationality. However, in extreme cases, it can manifest as excessive conformity and moralizing, imposing “objective facts” on both themself and others.
Examples: lawyers, civil servants, management consultants, and practical scientists.
Extraverted Feeling Types
The extraverted feeling type grounds their emotions in external norms, adjusting their emotional responses according to societal expectations or situational contexts being on ease in social interactions. They contribute to harmony and communal feelings in social settings. On the other hand, they may appear emotionally detached or soulless to outsiders due to their complete alignment with external standards.
These individuals are highly regarded by friends and colleagues, often stepping in during times of need.
Examples: actors, TV personalities, and public relations experts.
Extraverted Sensation Types
These individuals are deeply connected to objective reality, focusing on what truly exists. They are pragmatic, detail-oriented, and dismissive of abstractions and values. Their primary aim is to experience sensations and derive pleasure from them. Often seeking excitement in risky activities, they live in the moment with little regard for the future. This makes them enjoyable companions, adhering to the motto, “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.”
Examples: engineers, business people, builders, racers, and adventurers.
Extraverted Intuitive Types
These individuals excel at identifying the potential inherent in situations and are adept at predicting future developments. However, they often struggle to stay committed to projects they initiate, craving novelty and becoming bored with routine. Their gift lies in innovation, and they eagerly explore new friends, hobbies, or ideas for their intriguing possibilities, swiftly discarding them when new prospects arise.
Examples: journalists, stockbrokers, entrepreneurs, currency speculators, and creative artists. These individuals anticipate trends and embrace the avant-garde, often paving the way for societal shifts, like Goethe.
Introversion in Jung’s Typology
The introverted perspective, in essence, prioritizes the self and subjective psychological processes over the external world. For introverts, the subjective experience holds precedence. Introvert’s thinking abstracts away the concrete uniqueness of objects, leaving only the general idea. This often leads to them being perceived as reserved, socially awkward, and unyielding.
Overall, introverted function types are considered “unfashionable” in today’s society. The demands of a scientifically and objectively oriented society strongly favor the extraverted attitude. This preference is even more pronounced for the corresponding irrational types of sensation and intuition, as they appear virtually useless and out of step with modern objectivity beliefs. They dwell entirely in their own subjectivity, resisting external interpretation.
Introverted Function Types
The introverted function types, as described by Jung, reveal intricate facets of the human psyche that often remain shrouded in mystery to others. These individuals possess a distinct orientation where the self takes precedence over the external world. For this type, their thoughts hold paramount importance, while the objective facts of the world seem secondary. Their thinking abstracts away the concrete uniqueness of objects, leaving only the general idea. This often leads to them being perceived as reserved, socially awkward, and unyielding.
Introverts may favour one of the four functions, allowing it to become their dominant mode of operation, leading to a higher level of differentiation while potentially neglecting the other functions, causing them to recede into the unconscious.
Overall, introverted function types are considered “unfashionable” in today’s society. The demands of a scientifically and objectively oriented society strongly favor the extraverted attitude. This preference is even more pronounced for the corresponding irrational types of sensation and intuition, as they appear virtually useless and out of step with modern objectivity beliefs. They are absorbed entirely by their own subjectivity, resisting external interpretations.
Introverted Thinking Type
The introverted thinking type seeks to assert the self and subjective psychological processes over objective reality. In contrast, the introverted feeling type prioritizes personal emotions, making subjective emotional judgments regardless of external norms. These introverted functions exhibit a stark contrast to their extraverted counterparts.
Rely on internal criteria and are deeply immersed in theories and ideas. Jung himself exemplified this type, emphasizing the development of subjective ideas and symbolism. His psychological typology, a product of introverted thinking, reveals a carefully balanced system.
Preferring solitude, individuals of this type are content with their intellectual self-sufficiency, regardless of whether their ideas gain general acceptance.
This dichotomy underscores the fascinating diversity of human thought processes. Extraverted thinkers thrive in practical, external domains, while introverted thinkers delve into the realms of internal reflection and theory.
Understanding these types not only sheds light on our own cognitive preferences but also enhances our interactions with others.
Introverted Feeling Type
In an even more pronounced manner than the introverted thinking type, the introverted feeling type keeps others guessing. For them, the flow of libido is directed from the object to the self, leading to the devaluation of external facts in favour of subjective emotions.
Introverted feeling types hold a distinct set of values close to their hearts. They don’t flaunt their principles but subtly influence those around them through the standards they embody in their daily lives.
They serve as the ethical backbone of groups without overtly preaching or lecturing. Jung described them as harmonious, inconspicuous, and possessing an air of pleasing repose. They maintain a benevolent yet critically neutral stance, often projecting a faint sense of superiority.
Examples: Rainer Maria Rilke, who once wrote, “I love you, but it’s none of your business!” The painting “Mona Lisa” presents a woman with the characteristics of an introverted feeling type.
Introverted Sensation Types
The introverted sensing types share sensory experiences with their extraverted counterparts, they focus solely on the subjective aspect of these sensations. They are guided by the intensity of their subjective sensations triggered by external stimuli. They possess an exceptional ability to notice and recall intricate details from their surroundings. Everything from sights and colours to sounds and tastes leaves a vivid impression.
Mythological interpretations and images from the collective unconscious intermingle with their perceptions. In contrast, the introverted intuition type delves even deeper into these images, often embodying traits of artists, visionaries, or prophets.
Exemple: leading French impressionist painters who captured their inner impressions of reality in their art.
Introverted Intuitive Types
In contrast, introverted intuitive types delve deep into the inner realm of possibilities. Their focus is not on external possibilities but on what objects or ideas reveal from within. They employ a mechanism called reification, treating ideas and insights as tangible entities with dignity.
However, they face challenges in articulating their ideas coherently, as they chase numerous possibilities within their unconscious. This type is often associated with profound insights and a visionary perspective. Their unconventional thinking has contributed to the world of literature, philosophy, and spirituality.
Examples: seers, prophets, poets, psychologists, artists, shamans, mystics, and, at times, eccentrics like Nietzsche and Swedenborg. These individuals have left indelible marks on human history by channelling their profound insights and unique perspectives into their work.
Shift of Functions
Jung’s insights into these eight types offer a generalised framework for understanding individuals’ psychological tendencies. The lesser-valued functions, when forcibly repressed, can assert themselves in various ways, possibly through dreams, images, moods, or even psychological disturbances. Extremes can lead to neuroses, behavioural disorders, or mental illness.
However, it is essential to recognize the dynamic nature of these types. Over time, an individual’s preference for a particular attitude or function can shift, becoming a dominant habit.
C.G. Jung was the best example of such shift. In his childhood he was extremely introverted child living isolated in a parish and not interested in the interaction with pears. With the beginning of his studies, he gradually developed his extrovert site.
Jung’s Psychological Typs in Perception of Academia
Jung’s typology is based on his vast experience derived from the observation of many different individuals in the silence of his private practice. Thus, Jung couldn’t provide evidenced based studies. This became the main reason for attack by academic psychologists.
In his preface to the seventh edition of “Psychological Types” Jung wrote:
“…my typology is the result of many years of practical experience, and such experience is, of course, not available to the academic psychologist …”
Other objection about Jung’s typology is characteristic for all other typologies, namely, that it restrains the human psyche into arbitrarily imposed categories without reflecting the apparently infinite variety of human psychological traits. Jung understood this problem, stating his conviction that “every individual is an exception to the rule”.
“One can never give a description of a type, no matter how complete, that would apply to more than one individual, despite the fact that in some ways it aptly characterizes thousands of others. Conformity is one side of a man, uniqueness is the other. Classification does not explain the individual psyche. Nevertheless, an understanding of psychological types opens the way to a better understanding of human psychology in general”
CWVI, para. 895
C.G. Jung’s Psychological Types. Summary
C.G. Jung’s ground braking work “Psychological Types” helps to understand the duality of the universal and the individual aspects of human psychology.
According to Jung, people share a common psychological foundation for perceiving and responding to the world, both externally and internally. Jung called such mode of response “attitudes” and distinguished them in extroversion and introversion. Whereas the extravert is oriented primarily to events in the outer world, the introvert is primarily concerned with the inner world.
Apart of attitudes Jung defined four characteristics called functions. He considered thinking and feeling to be rational functions and sensation and intuition to be irrational functions. The way in which each function manifests in the psychology of individuals depends on the characteristic attitude adopted by them. Out of the two attitude types and the four functional types it’s possible to describe eight psychological types we explained in depth in the above text.
Furthermore, Jung observed that it is rare for people to make exclusive use of one function: they tend to develop two functions, usually one rational function and one irrational function; one of these becomes the primary superior function and the other an auxiliary function.
Jung’s exploration of the atitudes and function types provides valuable insight into the complexities of the psyche opening the door to a deeper understanding of human behaviour and the potential for self-awareness and personal growth.