perceptions and behaviors

In this page, I will go over how to understand yourself better through using Carl Jung’s 8 Jungian Cognitive Functions.

When we’re aware of which function we use most and which we use less, we can be more strategic on our personal growth by developing the functions we use less for a much more balanced lifestyle. For the remainder of this read, I will go into depth about the differences between the extroverted and introverted functions (i.e., Te and Ti).

thinking: Te vs Ti

Te is a thinking function that is objective and goal-oriented. This means placing factual information in high order while taking its organization and hierarchy into consideration. It’s about making decisions from objective facts not for the self, but for the objective reality which is then carefully measured. In simple terms, this function is responsible for deciding if something is efficiently working or not. (i.e. effectiveness)

Ti is a thinking function that is subjective and self-oriented. This means adhering to facts that appeal to the subjective factor. It checks for inconsistencies and clarifies definitions in order to aim precision for personal understanding. In simple terms, this function is responsible for determining what is logical and factual based on its own personalized views. (i.e., accuracy)

feeling: Fe vs Fi

Fe is an objective feeling function that is concerned with emotional harmony in the external environment. It considers how others are feeling to accommodate and adjust to them. In simple terms, it’s responsible for deciding what’s appropriate for the situation. (i.e., harmony)​

Fi is a subjective feeling function that considers self-importance and self-worth through a deep, intensive focus on one’s inner life, emotions, and personal values. In simple terms, it’s responsible for being true to the authentic self so that one can maintain inner emotional harmony. (i.e., authenticity)

sensing: Se vs Si

Se is a sensing function that is all about experiencing the immediate context by taking action in their physical surroundings. In simple terms, this function is responsible for recognizing “what is” in the most concrete and realistic way possible. (i.e., sensation)

Si is a sensing function that is all about the tried and true for the self because it focuses on the subjective inner world of personal experiences. In simple terms, this function is responsible for comparing new experiences and memories to past ones; “what was”. (i.e., memory)

intuiting: Ne vs Ni

Ne is a function that finds interconnections in mostly everything in an unconscious way. It sees possibilities in everything and notices underlying meanings in multiple contexts. In simple terms, this function is responsible for seeing how the objective world could be rather than accepting it for what it is. (i.e., brainstorming)

Ni is a function that has the ability to foresee implications without any external data. It can conceptualize new ways of seeing things and manifest visions into profound meaning or symbols. In simple terms, this function is responsible for envisioning transformations in the future. (i.e., future-oriented)