Carl Jung’s cognitive functions describe different ways people process information and make decisions. Each function has its own focus, and the way it “believes” or operates is tied to its core purpose in cognition.
- Extraverted Thinking (Te): Believes in efficiency, logic, and objective systems. It seeks to organize the outer world in a structured, efficient way and values measurable results.
- Introverted Thinking (Ti): Believes in understanding, precision, and internal consistency. It focuses on creating personal, logical frameworks for understanding the world, often in abstract or theoretical terms.
- Extraverted Feeling (Fe): Believes in harmony, group dynamics, and shared values. It is focused on understanding and aligning with the emotions and values of others, prioritizing social cohesion and the well-being of groups.
- Introverted Feeling (Fi): Believes in authenticity, individual values, and personal integrity. It seeks to understand its own deeply held values and emotions, often in a way that is unique and introspective.
- Extraverted Sensing (Se): Believes in experiencing the present moment, sensory details, and immediate action. It is highly attuned to the external world and values tangible, sensory experiences and adaptability in the moment.
- Introverted Sensing (Si): Believes in stability, memory, and tradition. It draws on past experiences and stored knowledge to make sense of the present and values familiar, comfortable routines.
- Extraverted Intuition (Ne): Believes in possibilities, patterns, and future-oriented insights. It focuses on potential outcomes and connections between ideas, constantly looking for new opportunities and concepts in the external world.
- Introverted Intuition (Ni): Believes in visionary insights, inner understanding, and future clarity. It seeks to develop a deep, almost mystical understanding of the world, often focusing on long-term patterns and a singular, internal vision of what is to come.
Each cognitive function represents a different approach to how we interact with the world, process information, and make decisions. They can operate in various combinations, forming a unique cognitive stack in each personality type.