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Last week, I wrote about perceiving cognitive functions. This week, I am discussing the judging functions. Most of the introductory stuff will be the same as last week's post. You can jump to What Does Judging Mean? if you want to read the new material and skip the introduction.
Before we go too far, I gave a crash course introduction to cognitive stacks and cognitive functions a few weeks ago. As a quick review, here is what you need to know.
There are eight cognitive functions.
There are two perceiving functions (sensing and intuition) and two judging functions (thinking and feeling).
Each of these functions is either introverted or extroverted perceiving and judging functions.
Here is a list of all eight cognitive functions:
Extraverted Sensing (Se)
Introverted Sensing (Si)
Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Extraverted Thinking (Te)
Introverted Thinking (Ti)
Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
Introverted Feeling (Fi)
Each personality type has a unique set of cognitive stacks. These 16 cognitive stacks are the basis for the archetypes common to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
Most of our personality is determined by the first two cognitive functions in our cognitive stack, made up of both an introverted and extroverted function and a perceiving and judging function (i.e., Te-Ni or Fi-Se).
Expanding On Your Cognitive Stack
There are several varieties of the MBTI, and each discusses personality mainly around archetypes. I discussed the pitfalls inherent in these archetypes here. All of these systems attempt to define personality, but they leave out the core of the theory developed by Carl Jung - the cognitive functions and how they interact.
While, according to cognitive stacks, most of your personality comes from your first two functions, each person uses all eight functions to greater and lesser degrees. So, for example, the ISFP cognitive stack is mainly its first two functions (Introverted Feeling and Extroverted Sensing). However, the third and fourth functions (Introverted Intuition and Extroverted Thinking) assist the first two functions. The bottom four functions are present but less naturally than the first four (Extroverted Feeling, Introverted Sensing, Extroverted Intuition, and Introverted Thinking). These bottom four functions require development but can open up realms of growth and possibility for every individual.
This knowledge means that everyone uses some aspect of every cognitive function. I often hear statements like, "Well, I'm an intuitive, so I don't use that sensing stuff," or, "I'm a thinker, so I don't care about feelings." This mindset is an incorrect method of looking at the work of Jung. One of my friends noted that they are a sensor, but they do not think they are illogical. Yes, that is true! While we default to leading with our primary functions, we still use all of them! There is no such thing as an intuitive or feeling individual. We are each a little bit of everything.
Perceiving and Judging Cognitive Function Pairs
As discussed in my previous posts, your cognitive stack presents a certain way. Your first two functions are always a judging and a perceiving function and always an introverted and extroverted function. For example, in the ISFP example, the first two functions are Introverted Feeling (Fi) and Extroverted Sensing (Se). For the ENFJ, they are Extroverted Feeling (Fe) and Introverted Intuition (Ni).
A similar pairing occurs with the third and fourth functions in your cognitive stack. If you have Extroverted Feeling (Fe) in the first two spots of your stack, then you will have Introverted Thinking (Ti) somewhere in the next two. Same with the sensing functions. If you have Introverted Sensing in one of your first two functions, then one of the following two will be Extroverted Intuition.
These pairs will always appear together. Some systems refer to these pairs as being tied through cognitive access. Here are the four cognitive access pairs.
Extroverted Thinking & Introverted Feeling
Extroverted Feeling & Introverted Thinking
Introverted Sensing & Extroverted Intuition
Introverted Intuition & Extroverted Sensing
These cognitive access pairs rely on each other. They help each other. They hold one another up and make them stronger.
What Does Judging Mean?
In MBTI systems, "judging" has always felt like a strange verb for describing a personality type. No one wants to go around saying they judge. This word has a negative connotation attached to it. And it seems even more loaded compared to the opposite of judging (perceiving), which we discussed last week. However, all that judging represents is how we evaluate and make decisions about the world around us. We all "judge" the world around us, even if we do not have a "J" in our personality type.
The Judging Function Combinations
The rest of this post will stick to judging cognitive functions.
When it comes to the top four functions in our cognitive stack (the ones we use naturally), we can break the 16 personalities into two combinations of judging functions: Introverted Feeling and Extroverted Thinking (Fi & Te) or Introverted Thinking and Extroverted Feeling (Ti & Fe). Because there are only two combinations of judging functions, several personality types will exhibit similar characteristics. What is most interesting to me is that personality types that share these functions are often stereotyped to have nothing in common! Let's break these two combinations down, show you who uses them, and detail what they look like.
Introverted Feeling and Extroverted Thinking - Fi & Te
Personalities Who Share This Combination
ISFP: Fi-Se-Ni-Te
INFP: Fi-Ne-Si-Te
ESFP: Se-Fi-Te-Ni
ENFP: Ne-Fi-Te-Si
ESTJ: Te-Si-Ne-Fi
ENTJ: Te-Ni-Se-Fi
ISTJ: Si-Te-Fi-Ne
INTJ: Ni-Te-Fi-Se
Fi/Te Commonalities
It is important to note that Fi & Te work together, but for each personality type, they work together in different ways. The ESTJ and INFP can appear quite different yet use two of the same functions. For example, an INFP will default first to Introverted Feeling, while the ESTJ will default to Extroverted Thinking. That said, they do share commonalities.
As Introverted Feeling (Fi) users, these types are aware of their morals, and their morals guide them more than the collected ethics of those around them. They have a personal sense of right or wrong. Fi users listen to the values of those around them, weigh (or judge them) based on their internal scales, and then decide whether to bring them into their philosophy or leave them behind. This characteristic makes Fi users naturally good listeners - they listen to gather as much information from others as to form their moral system. This attribute also means that Fi users want others to hear them as they want to share what they value with others. Combined with Extroverted Thinking (Te), Fi users seek to provide value to others by being a source of wisdom and guidance.
Using Extroverted Thinking (Te), these types are aware of the accepted truths of a group - they know what people around them think. They do this through data, research, and credible resources. This word, credibility, is at the crux of Te users. When encountering new knowledge, they will consider the credentials of the individual presenting the information. This strategy can help clear out distractions or incorrect information, though it also tends to dismiss people whose voices may need to be heard. They also want to be seen as credible and influential, so they will seek ways to have others see them this way. High Te users often look for ways to improve their status, seek achievement, and pursue credentials (such as training or degrees) to increase their credibility. This characteristic means they want to share what they have found credible with others.
To grow, these types need to be open to verify their sources and to allow for accurate criticism of and challenges to their values. By allowing others to push back on their ideas, they can ensure that their beliefs are grounded in truth and not simply groupthink, and can help them refine their morals and beliefs.
Introverted Thinking and Extroverted Feeling - Ti & Fe
Personalities Who Share This Combination
ISTP: Ti-Se-Ni-Fe
INTP: Ti-Ne-Si-Fe
ESTP: Se-Ti-Fe-Ni
ENTP: Ne-Ti-Fe-Si
ESFJ: Fe-Si-Ne-Ti
ENFJ: Fe-Ni-Se-Ti
ISFJ: Si-Fe-Ti-Ne
INFJ: Ni-Fe-Ti-Se
Ti/Fe Commonalities
While Ti & Fe work together, they do so differently depending on the personality type. The ISTP and ENFJ can appear so different yet use two of the same functions. For example, an ISTP will default first to Introverted Thinking, while the ENFJ will default to Extroverted Feeling. That said, they do share commonalities.
Introverted Thinking (Ti) users are about their internal logic. They are aware of what they think and believe. These types are very aware of when they or others are being illogical or when inconsistencies in behavior arise (for example, treating others differently). They build up their internal logic and thinking by gathering more information. This tendency helps these types to develop their internal logical systems to test the world against. They often need other people to talk through their ideas with. Because of this, they are often quite comfortable with disagreement. This disagreement and questioning of their logic and considerations allow them to clarify their thoughts. Ti users often come off as liking to argue and revel in pointing out the inconsistencies of others. This behavior can be perceived as rude when they are trying to be helpful. And if they have chosen to speak up, it is because they care.
Extroverted Feeling (Fe) users are aware of how others feel and what they value. Fe users can sense the moods and feelings of those around them. This power means that Fe users can be very compassionate. Fe users seek moral integrity, personal philosophy, feedback, and appreciation. The awareness of how those around them feel often means they want to help others. Since Fe is bound to Ti, Ti assists the Fe user in moving from comforting others to helping them heal and grow. This pairing also guides them in deciding who to help and who to let be.
Ti/Fe users can grow by ensuring quality input in areas that are new to them or that they do not understand yet. Reading, podcasts, interviews, and talking to and learning more about new people are the pathways to growth. These activities allow these types to build up their internal logic to weigh the world against and help them find the best values by gathering and comparing them. For Ti/FE users, it is necessary to verify the truth and value of what they encounter before accepting it, whether new knowledge, ways of thinking, or the values of others.
A Note To Primary Fe Users
In my view, more than any other function, Fe users are the most heavily stereotyped in an unflattering way. Most MBTI systems portray Fe users as doormat personality types, especially the ESFJ and ISFJ (the 16 Personality avatars alone can aggravate these types). It seems like the only Fe user with a mostly positive portrayal is the ENFJ, and even then, most systems portray them as in service to others. While Fe users, especially the high Fe users (ENFJ, ESFJ, INFJ, and ISFJ), have a strong sense of empathy, their community and interests also matter. It is better to see a Fe user through their community than through their stereotype. Instead of seeing Fe users as needing to help other people, it is better to think of them as seeking communities they deem worthy of their care, and then they stand by and support that community. The Enneagram can provide a further understanding of Fe types. While Fe users are commonly 2s, 6s, and 9s, they are not all these types. While less common, a dominant Fe user who is an Enneagram 8 can be a fierce advocate for the values of a group, and an Enneagram 4 will seek a creative community and stand for the values of that group.
Strength Through Our Opposites
As with the perceiving functions, you may notice the weaknesses of one type of judging function are the strengths of its opposite. It is necessary to find those who process the world differently from us and create strong relationships with them. These relationships can be mutually beneficial as they unknowingly help each other through life.
As a review of my post on the sensing functions, it is worth talking about pairings like the Gold, Silver, and Bronze pairings. This topic is a post for another day, but essentially, someone is one of these pairs with you if they share nothing in common with their cognitive stacks. For example, look at the ISFJ (Cognitive Stack of Si-Fe-Ti-Ne). Those who qualify as one of these pairs for an ISFJ would have Te, Ni, Se, and Fi in their cognitive stacks. These types would be the INTJ, ENTJ, ISFP, and ESFP. There is strength in finding people who balance out what you bring to the table.
A word of caution, though. Do not let these "ideal pairs" push you away from other people. I offer this only as an opportunity to find people who can help you, especially if you are unsure or confused. I am married to an ISTJ. One of my great friends I love talking to and hanging out with is an INFJ. I have known several INFPs who have been integral in helping me through some challenging times in my life. Meeting someone who is not an "ideal pairing" can provide growth, wisdom, and camaraderie. And it can be fulfilling to find someone of the same type as you and relax in mutual understanding.
Using This Information
A few weeks ago, I posted this quote on Instagram.
The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. - Pablo Picasso
Understanding ourselves can often be a challenging task. Any tool we have can help us in this journey of self-discovery. So, how can we use this information in our everyday lives?
Fi/Te Users
As a Fi user, you will likely have a well-developed moral compass that guides you. Often, Fi users have immediate hunches that something does not fit with who they are and what they value. Understanding your values and morals can help you avoid uncomfortable situations. Forcing yourself to be someone you are not is a recipe for unhappiness. Fi users may also find joy in careers where they help others. This characteristic includes the lower Fi users (like ENTJs and ESTJs). The opportunity for creative thinking is also necessary for Fi users. However, this will look much different depending on your sensing functions. For example, INTJs and ISTJs are Fi users, but their creativity will look different based on their sensing functions (Ni/Se versus Si/Ne). And finally, Fi users desire autonomy. Whether Fi is a primary function (ISFP/INFP) or an inferior (fourth) function (ENTJ/ESTJ), these types might seek careers and positions that allow them autonomy and the freedom to pursue goals as they see fit.
For the Te part of your mind, find a path that seeks results, efficiency, and productivity. Te users also like to see organized systems. As a Te user, find a path with clear goals and opportunities for growth and learning. The higher your Te in your cognitive stack, the more you might seek opportunities for status and achievement. As a Te user, you likely have a performative side, and finding opportunities to display your skill is important (such as performing in concerts or presenting at conferences). And finally, seek paths that respect and support credibility. An organization that recognizes the value of those who have the knowledge to answer questions is necessary for you, especially if you are the person with that knowledge. Also, find organizations that want to support your learning and credibility. Institutions that encourage professional development, whether through certifications or advanced degrees, will help you on your path, especially places that allow you to customize your professional development.
Ti/Fe Users
Ti users like intellectual challenges that they can pursue through independent work. Ti users are great in that often they need a challenge and then to be left alone - they will figure it out, especially ISTPs and INTPs. The higher the Ti function in your cognitive stack, the more you should seek paths that require problem-solving, exploration of new ideas, and interdisciplinary thinking. Interdisciplinary roles are those where a broad amount of knowledge connects seemingly unrelated fields (such as the intersection of philosophy and biology). This unique approach to connection allows for new ideas and solutions, like those needed in environmental policy or bioinformatics. And finally, look for positions that allow for continuous learning. Ti users are always seeking new learning and personal projects, so finding a situation that respects and empowers this type of learning and discovery will leave you fulfilled in your career choice and benefit your organization (think the idea of the Genius Hour).
As a Fe user, look for paths with a collective sense of purpose and respect. Fe users are aware of the feelings of those around them, and if an institution is not living up to the collective values of the people in them, Fe users will not tolerate it. Fe users may find happiness in seeking to change organizations for the better. While a Fi user will want an institution to change because they disagree with its operation, a Fe user will seek change because something does not align with the organization's community. And last, because of their strong empathy, working with and helping others is necessary to consider. Helping others could look like nonprofit leadership, teaching, social work, counseling, or even tending a bar at a local establishment. Anywhere that engenders a sense of community and being there for each other will be fulfilling to a Fe user.
Final Thoughts
Last week, I posted a quote from Carl Jung that sums up why I encourage people to understand themselves as deeply as possible.
Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.
If we want a great life, we must begin with self-understanding.
When we try to guess at our life by only looking at what others are doing, we hope we will stumble on an answer. By knowing who we are, we awaken what we can become.
This process can also be an overwhelming task. If you want to explore more about yourself and how to use this information in creating your life, contact me. I love guiding others through this work and helping them find their path!
Enjoy this process, and I look forward to talking to you again!
Ready to learn how you can use insight into your personality and values to improve your life? Reach out today, and we will get started moving you from overwhelm and uncertainty to clarity and direction.
With love,
Tom Chapman, TruePath Discovery Coaching
PS - This blog post pulls heavily from the work of Carl Jung from the book Collected Works of C. G. Jung, Volume 6: Psychological Types and the EgoHackers YouTube channel. Thank you especially to EgoHackers for all of their work. They are also doing a deep dive into each of the 16 personality types! These are fascinating, and I encourage you to check them out!
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