Author: Aushra Augusta
Index
Ne | Ni | Fe | Fi | Se | Si | Te | Ti
Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
From On the Dual Nature of Humanity
Potential energy. Through this element the individual receives information about the potential energy of the observed object and subject, their physical and mental abilities.
From The Meaning of Symbols Used in Socionics
The object’s content
The object’s potential energy, internal content and structure, internal capabilities. The program embedded in the object. Any concrete abilities of a person. What Karl Marx called “labour power”*, i.e. the aggregate of the individual’s physical and mental capabilities.
* Karl Marx introduced the concept of “labour power” in his work Capital (vol. 1, ch. 6), as follows: “By labour-power or capacity for labour is to be understood the aggregate of those mental and physical capabilities existing in a human being, which he exercises whenever he produces a use-value of any description. […] Labour-power, however, becomes a reality only by its exercise; it sets itself in action only by working.” Hereinafter the asterisks (*) indicate the translator’s notes.
A sense of whether hidden internal abilities and capabilities are present. This sense makes it possible to tell whether an object or phenomenon is permanent or short-lived.
From Socion
Perception of the object’s internal content and structure
Information about potential energy of objects – for example, someone’s physical and psychological abilities and capabilities. This perception provides an ability to understand the structure of objects and phenomena, to figure out their internal content. It determines one’s ability or inability to see real potential forces of the environment.
When this aspect of perception is in the leading position, the individual has pronounced cognitive interests. They are constantly busy studying profound phenomena, which they quite successfully explain to others by making complicated things simple. Such an individual likes to explain to others what they themselves understood. In favorable conditions becomes a scientist or a writer. Able to find optimal ways of increasing the object’s potential energy. “Charges” others with their own understanding of the surrounding objects’ capabilities.
Introverted Intuition (Ni)
From On the Dual Nature of Humanity
Relations between processes that happen in sequence – time. Through this element the individual receives information about the temporal relations between processes, events and actions, about whether there is time left, and whether the future is dangerous or safe.
From The Meaning of Symbols Used in Socionics
Time
Both objective time and the object’s subjective time. The duration of the object’s functioning or existence, which is determined by its potential energy* and the expenditure of this energy per unit of time. The object’s external situation among other objects, i.e. its situation in time. Time intervals between events, the duration of specific events, the sequence of events and processes, their rhythm in time, quickness and slowness. All of this applies to external as well as internal processes.
* This is likely meant to point at a connection with Ne, since in the same article Augusta states that “potential energy” falls under Ne.
A sense of whether something is timely, of hurry or lack thereof, etc. A sense of where the current events are positioned in time relative to other events*.
* Lit. “a sense of relativity of what is happening in time”.
From Socion
Perception of time
All processes occur in time, which means they have roots in the past and continue into the future. Time is a relation between events occurring in sequence. This aspect of perception provides information about the sequence of events and people’s actions, their causal interdependence, and people’s own feelings that are caused by this interdependence.
One perceives direct outside information that is obtained through the first signal system as feelings about the future, the past and the present. Examples include a sense of haste, calmness or fervor; a sense of something being timely or premature; a sense of whether the pace of life is proper or improper; a sense of future danger or safety; a sense of anticipation; a fear of being late; a feeling of knowing what will happen in the future; an anxiety about what is to come; etc. One has some sense of time at any moment of one’s life. It is impossible to live outside of time or lack any feelings towards it. Therefore a certain sense of time is an integral part of one’s spiritual state at any given moment. This aspect of perception determines one’s ability or inability to predict the future and plan for it, to avoid possible problems and erroneous actions, and to learn from past experience.
When this aspect of perception is in the leading position, the individual has strategic abilities and knows how to choose an optimal moment for a particular activity. For example, giving battle when it is necessary and avoiding it when it is a better course of action, just like Mikhail Kutuzov always did.
Interaction in time could be called an ability to avoid collisions with objects, thereby avoiding their reflection in oneself.
Extraverted Ethics (Fe)
From On the Dual Nature of Humanity
Transformation of potential energy into kinetic energy. Through this element the individual receives information about the object’s excitation and excitability, and people’s moods and emotions.
From The Meaning of Symbols Used in Socionics
Internal processes
Internal processes that are hidden from view, often revealing themselves through sounds that come from within the object, or through the object changing its appearance (e.g. reddening of the face). For people this ranges from emotional experiences to digestion. Emotional states, moods, excitation, depression.
A sense of whether inner impulses* are ethical, and whether it is possible to change something that is happening within oneself or another object.
* This probably means a person’s inner impulses specifically.
From Socion
Perception of the object’s internal dynamics, changes happening within it
Information about processes occurring in objects – primarily emotional processes occurring in people, people’s state of excitation or suppression, and their moods. This aspect of perception provides an ability to e.g. understand what inspires people and what suppresses them. It determines one’s ability or inability to control one’s own emotional state and the emotional states of others.
When this aspect of perception is in the leading position, the individual has an ability to transfer their own moods to others, induce their own moods in others, infect others with their own emotions. They are able to activate other people’s spiritual life and emotional readiness for action. Such an individual has an ability to infect others with their moods, and a tendency to impose specific emotional states on them (those emotional states being what the individual considers beneficial for others’ activities).
What we usually call human emotions or emotional displays is merely a way to directly release this internal excitation without using most of it for muscle activity. A cheerful, laughing person releases an emotional charge (excitation) through certain movements of face and body muscles. This can be a way of relieving overexcitation when the tension cannot be used for the intended activity. But it can also be a way of consciously transferring one’s excitation to other people, inducing one’s internal arousal in the psyche of others. Anger is also a way of relieving one’s overexcitation, but instead of emotionally arousing other people it is usually intended to emotionally suppress and drain them, reduce their activity or direct this activity in a very particular way.
Introverted Ethics (Fi)
From On the Dual Nature of Humanity
Subjective relation between two objects or subjects – attraction and repulsion. Through this element the individual receives information about the attractive or repulsive force of the objects and subjects, about whether they need each other, about likes and dislikes, love and hatred.
From The Meaning of Symbols Used in Socionics
Attractive force of objects, attraction
This can be called “subjective distance” between objects. When it comes to people, one example of this is love and hatred. The one you love is close even at a great distance, and the one you hate is far even if they are in your proximity.
A sense of whether relationships are ethical, of a person’s kindness or bad qualities, a feeling of desire or unwillingness, etc.
From Socion
Perception of the object’s attraction and repulsion
This is a subjective relation between two carriers of potential or kinetic energy, showing how much a certain object or subject is attracted or repelled by other objects or subjects. Thanks to this element of IM an individual feels which objects attract them and which repel them. This aspect of perception provides information about whether an object needs another object, about presence or lack of mutual or unilateral needs.
One perceives direct information about this aspect of the objective world (the information obtained through the first signal system) as a need for other people and for specific objects that satisfy one’s physical, cultural and spiritual desires. In other words, this aspect covers one’s desires and interests that are directed at animate and inanimate objects. This includes feelings of like-dislike, love-hate, a desire to acquire some kind of object, greed or lack thereof, etc. Higher feelings of this kind are called “ethical” due to the fact that the interrelations between people’s needs are mostly regulated by ethical norms.
When this aspect of perception is in the leading position, the individual has an ability to see, evaluate, shape and change their own desires and the desires of other people. They always know who wants what from whom. They are able to set their own knowledge of the subjective world in opposition to the knowledge of others, and their own desires – to the desires of others. They also have an aptitude for providing themselves with necessary relationships, and confidence in their ability to influence other people. Their accurate assessment of others’ needs allows them to avoid risky collisions while satisfying their own needs. It also creates an ability to manipulate others’ attachment to oneself, and an ability and striving to manipulate others’ ethical feelings and others’ striving to bring these feelings in line with the social ideal.
Extraverted Sensation (Se)
From On the Dual Nature of Humanity
Kinetic energy. Through this element the individual receives information about the mobilization, willpower, strength and beauty of the observed objects and subjects.
From The Meaning of Symbols Used in Socionics
The object’s form
The object’s kinetic energy, its readiness to expend its energy. Its external qualities – color, outline, smoothness or roughness of its surface. External mobilization. A person’s will, their ability and readiness to use their will on themself and others.
A sense of whether the object is ready to exercise its will, to show its strength, whether the object is aesthetic.
From Socion
Perception of the object’s appearance and form
Information about what one could call “kinetic energy” of objects. For example, how externally organized someone is, their physique and energy-related qualities, their ability to successfully exercise their will and use their official position. This perception provides an ability to see how much “kinetic energy” a particular person has and how useful they can be in action. It determines one’s ability or inability to exercise their will in opposition to the will of others, and use their energy against the energy of others.
When this aspect of perception is in the leading position, the individual has volitional qualities and is an excellent organizer of any new activity. They have an aptitude for mobilizing people towards achieving the goal, and know how to utilize and manage animate and inanimate objects. Such an individual knows how to handle physical things, how to recreate almost any object based on existing samples. This demonstrates their aptitude for organizing physical matter. They seek to exercise their volition, energy, strength, to subordinate others’ will to their own.
Introverted Sensation (Si)
From On the Dual Nature of Humanity
Relations between processes that happen at the same time – space. Through this element the individual receives information about the qualities of the space, i.e. what happens in it and how people in this space feel*.
* In my translations of Augusta’s definitions of Si, the phrase “how the person feels”, as well as the word “state”, are both an adaptation of the Russian word “самочувствие”. This word is not fully translatable and is defined as “a general mental indicator of the physical and spiritual state of the individual at any given moment; consists of specific sensations and general feelings”.
From The Meaning of Symbols Used in Socionics
State
The internal situation of the object among other objects, the way other objects affect the object’s state and are reflected in this state. You could call it a “revebration” of the space within the object. The state is conditioned by both external and internal processes.
A sense of whether something is pleasant, and of physical and aesthetic satisfaction and dissatisfaction.
From Socion
Perception of the object’s internal situation
We view an object’s internal state as a relation between events that condition each other. Through this element one perceives information about the way processes affect the internal state – the way a person is feeling, and the specific feelings caused by this interdependence.
Interaction in space is nothing more than a reflection of one object in another. Objects reflect each other and evoke certain feelings in one another. An individual perceives direct outside information as feelings evoked by things happening around them. For example, a feeling of pain is nothing more than the brain’s reflection of a relation between one’s body and a process taking place in some part of the body and interfering with its functioning.
When this aspect of perception is in the leading position, the individual is able to change the properties of the environment and the way people in this environment feel. They know how to avoid physical discomfort and how to protect others from it, which is determined by an ability to recreate once experienced aesthetic feelings. An excellent example of this is Peter Paul Rubens, who did not paint from life, but rather from his own memory of once experienced aesthetic feelings. When he was making a painting, he sought to give the viewer a specific aesthetic experience by recreating it. Such art is a revival of the object that provides the viewer with aesthetic feelings intended by the creator. Likewise, when an individual with this type of IM is cooking, they start by imagining how the dish will taste. Such people can distinguish once experienced aesthetic feelings from new ones, and know how to collect and remember them. This is probably why there are a lot of people with this type of perception among the so-called “psychic diagnosticians.”
An individual with this type of IM is able to set their sensory aesthetic needs in opposition to the same needs of others. They know how to fight for the fulfilment of said needs, and can shape and refine their own and other people’s aesthetic tastes and habits. They have an ability to impose their understanding of aesthetics and comfortable life on others.
Extraverted Logic (Te)
From On the Dual Nature of Humanity
The use of kinetic energy. Through this element the individual receives information about the activity of the object and subject, and their ability to work.
From The Meaning of Symbols Used in Socionics
External movements
Event, fact, action, change of position in space. External manifestation of the process, the form it takes. The object’s movement in space, and all other forms of external movement of objects.
A sense of whether an action is logical, and whether something that is happening can be resisted.
From Socion
Perception of the object’s external dynamics, its movement through space
Information about actions and deeds, physical activity, the activity of animate and inanimate objects. This perception provides an ability to assess situations one gets exposed to. It determines one’s knowledge of possible methods of action, and an ability or inability to personally come up with such methods. It also determines one’s ability or inability to direct others’ work and to distinguish rational actions from irrational ones.
When this aspect of perception is in the leading position, the individual has an aptitude for planning their own work and the work of others. They have an ability to understand how logical a process is, to adjust others’ workflow in accordance with this understanding, to use the most rational methods of action and to communicate these methods to other people.
Introverted Logic (Ti)
From On the Dual Nature of Humanity
Objective relations between two objects and their individual properties – the ratio between them, or how one object would measure if the other object was used as a measure. Through this element the individual receives information about the objective ratio between the objects, about their weight, size, value and any other properties that are commensurate.
From The Meaning of Symbols Used in Socionics
Space, distance in space
Distance between objects, position in space or among other objects, hierarchy. A system as an aggregate of distances that have been established intentionally or accidentally. A system of objective, law-bound relations in nature and society. A person’s objective needs, i.e. a system of relations with various objects (starting with food) that this person needs to have. All distances are a result of external movements*.
* This is likely meant to point at a connection with Te, which Augusta defines as “external movements” in the same article.
A sense of whether something is logical or reasonable.
From Socion
Perception of the object’s position in space
The feelings that arise when two objects are being compared based on some objective property, e.g. a sense of distance, weight, volume, value, strength or quality, we classify as logical. These are the feelings of objective evaluation; in certain cases this evaluation contributes to either activation or passivation of the person experiencing said feelings.
One perceives direct information that is obtained through the first signal system as a sense of proportionality or disproportionality of the objects, a sense of balance or imbalance between them, and a sense of understanding or not understanding the advantages one object has over the other. This includes all feelings that arise from objects and phenomena being known or unknown: curiosity, respect, fear, a sense of something being logical or illogical, a sense of power or powerlessness over a certain object.
All of these feelings we will call “logical”. Together they form an individual’s sense of logic. The degree of development of this sense of logic varies from person to person.
Logical feelings convey information related to whether or not the objects are known, whether or not they are in equilibrium, and whether or not they are comparable. They also carry information about the space and the position of the object within it.
Logical feelings are objective because they only take into account the ratio of objective properties rather than one’s own interests and needs. This aspect of perception determines one’s ability or inability to see objective, logical relations between objects or their components.
When this aspect of perception is in the leading position, the individual is notably logical in their assessment of the interrelations in the objective static world, or world of objects. They have an ability to alter the relations between the properties of different objects, changing these relations in a desired direction. By doing this they are also able to impact the objects possessing said properties. Their accurate assessment of their own relations with other objects lets them know which objects should be avoided and which can be “hunted”.
An individual with this type of IM has an ability to set their logic (i.e. their cognition of the objective world and of its regularities and proportions) in opposition to the knowledge of others. They can shape and improve their own and other people’s cognition of the objective world. This gives them a sense of power when faced with the logic or illogicality of others.
Classic Socionics 