INTP


 * For the Socionics version of this type, see Intuitive Logical Introvert.

INTP (Introverted iNtuitive Thinking Perceiving) is one of the sixteen personality types found in a number of psychological typology systems based on C.G. Jung's theories of psychology. This article primarily deals with the INTP as defined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and, to a lesser extent, the Keirsey Temperament Sorter.

Myers-Briggs type characteristics
INTP types are quiet, thoughtful, analytical individuals who don't mind spending long periods of time on their own, working through problems and forming solutions. They are very curious about systems and how things work, and are frequently found in careers such as science, architecture and law. INTPs tend to be less at ease in social situations and the 'caring professions', although they enjoy the company of those who share their interests. They also tend to be impatient with the bureaucracy, rigid hierarchies, and politics prevalent in many professions, preferring to work informally with others as equals.

INTPs organize their understanding of any topic by articulating principles, and they are especially drawn to theoretical constructs. Having articulated these principles for themselves, they can demonstrate remarkable skill in explaining complex ideas to others in simple terms, especially in writing. On the other hand, their ability to grasp complexity may also lead them to provide overly detailed explanations of "simple" ideas, and listeners may judge that the INTP makes things more difficult than they are. This to the INTP, however, is incomprehensible: they are merely presenting all of the information.

INTPs' extroverted intuition gives them a quick wit, especially with language, and they can defuse the tension in gatherings by comical observations and references. They can be charming, even in their quiet reserve, and are often astounded by the high esteem in which their friends and colleagues hold them.

An insulted INTP, however, has a tendency to unveil their full mastery of logical intuition. Many previously secure, confident people have been left crushed by an INTP's sudden and piercingly accurate criticism. After such an incident, the INTP is as likely to be as devastated as the recipient; they have broken the rules of debate and exposed their irrational emotions. This to an INTP is the crux of the problem: emotions are to be dealt with in a logical manner, as improperly handled they can only harm.

Type dynamics of the INTP
Type Dynamics refers to the interrelationship among the four cognitive functions in a psychological type. Far from being a simple combination of initials, the full type creates a rich interwoven system of perceiving and judging that explains much of the similarity and difference among the types.

The theory of MBTI types is based on the work of Carl Jung. However, it should be noted that Jung's work in this field tends to be rejected in the modern field of cognitive psychology as having no basis in scientific method. Jung theorized that the dominant function acts alone in its preferred world--exterior, for the extraverts, and interior, for the introverts. Since the dominant function "dominates" its preferred world, he thought, the two of the other three functions operate together in the opposite world, with the tertiary attribute acting as liaison. This phenomenon leads to an irony of psychological type: Extraverts have extremely rich interior lives, with two introverted functions operating to balance their dominant function. Introverts, for their part, have rich exterior lives, with two extraverted functions balancing their dominant function. The MBTI Manual summarizes references in Jung's work to the balance in psychological type (p.29):

"Indeed, there are several references in Jung's writing to the three remaining functions having an opposite attitudinal character. For example, in writing about introverts with thinking dominant..., Jung commented that the counterbalancing functions (that is, auxiliary and inferior functions) have an extraverted character."

Dominant: Introverted Thinkers (Ti)

 * In the INTP, the dominant function, as with all introverts, is introverted. As introverted Thinkers, INTPs spend the majority of their time and energy putting order to the interior, logical world of principles and generalizations in an effort to understand. Introverted Thinking is cool, articulate, and aware of the forces that bind reality together.

Auxiliary: Extraverted iNtuition (Ne)

 * The second function, or "auxiliary" function, is extraverted iNtuition, which gives the INTP a grasp of the patterns of the world around them. They use their iNtuition to put empirical data together into coherent pictures, from which universal principles may be derived. An INTP will frequently puzzle over a problem for hours on end, then in an instant have the answer suddenly crystallize in their mind in a flash of insight.

Tertiary: Introverted Sensing (Si)

 * The third function, or "tertiary" function, is introverted Sensing, which gives the INTP potential for keen insight. They use their powerful introspection to form a detailed, organized inner world. Unlike the extraverted Sensor who sees the world literally, the INTP's experience of the external occurs primarily through the memories and associations it evokes.

Inferior: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

 * The fourth function, or "inferior" function, is extraverted Feeling, which drives the INTP with the desire for harmony in community. At their most relaxed, INTPs can be charming and outgoing among friends, or when they have a clearly defined role in the group. When under stress, however, INTPs can feel disconnected from the people around them, unable to use their extraverted Feeling to reach out to others. This being their inferior function, however, it can be a weak point; when threatened they will hide behind a wall of stoic logic. An INTP can be quite easily hurt emotionally. This can lead to a "bottling up" of the emotions for the sake of preserving reason and harmony; but if they do not deal with these concealed emotions the already weak emotional side can lead to childish outbursts of emotion.

As a summary, then, the functions of the INTP are as follows:


 * 1) Introverted Thinking (Ti)
 * 2) Extraverted iNtuition (Ne)
 * 3) Introverted Sensing (Si)
 * 4) Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

As a practical example, consider the two types known as the introverted Thinkers (ISTP and INTP). They share dominant introverted Thinking, which gives them a solid interior grasp of the underlying principles of life. The ISTPs with their preference of extraverted Sensing, love understanding physical, mechanical systems. The INTPs, for their part, love understanding theoretical systems through their extraverted iNtuition. ISTPs are often very capable in using whatever materials are at hand in their building projects, using available tools to their full capabilities to serve their goals, through their extraverted Sensing. INTPs, at the same time, are often good at using physical tools, but here they also use their intuition to solve problems. An INTP is not shy about using a tool for something other than its original purpose, or creating a new tool to serve a desired purpose. INTPs cause no end of frustration to ISTPs ESTPs, ESTJs and ISTJs with this improvisation, as despite their best effort they cannot make the same intuitive leaps which come naturally to the INTP. On the other hand, they are quick to smugly point out when the INTP must stop in the middle of a project to puzzle over the previously discarded instructions, which the -ST- read at the start.

The INTP, however, adapts well to the rules-oriented world of introverted Sensing, preferring to experience the world through a cautious and reserved manner, while the ISTP is quite extroverted in their experiences in the world. Nor does either type have patience with the introverted iNtuitive world of inner vision. They prefer to stick to the straightforward articulation of their principles.