Judging vs. Perceiving

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MBTI and Myers-Briggs related content

I’m not typically one to talk specifically about the dichotomies, but there are some common threads between them. Today, I want to talk specifically about Judging versus Perceiving, and generally hit what the dichotomy does and does not indicate.

Cognitive Function Basics

For those new to the cognitive functions, the judging and perceiving dichotomy might appear the most confusing. After all, those aren’t functions, right? The thinking dichotomy has two corresponding functions (Te and Ti), same with the feeling, sensing, and intuition dichotomies. However, J versus P has no specific function set associated with it. Why?

We each have 4 functions in our cognitive function stack, but in the top 2, you will have one introverted function and one extraverted function. Being a Judger simply means that your top most (or preferred) extraverted function is a Judging function. Ergo, you are showcasing it to the world, in a sense. In comparison, a Perceiver’s preferred extraverted functions is a Perceiving function, and thus they are displaying it to the world.

The judging functions are Ti, Fi, Te, Fe.
The perceiving functions are Ni, Si, Ne, Se.

What can the J vs. P Dichotomy tell us?

1. Planning vs. Improvisation

On average, a Judger will prefer to prepare for whatever is coming next. They tend to not like to be thrown into new situations without any kind of warning or advanced notice. They may prefer to avoid last minute planning, and schedule their activities. However, bear in mind, the level of rigidity in the types will vary depending on which functions they are using, and the placement. For instance, an extravert will typically have more natural confidence when interacting with the external world, so they may not seem quite as “scheduled” as an introvert. High Te users tend to like to control their external environment, and are more likely to try to cling tightly to the level of control that they require. Fe users may seem the least structured out of all the J types. However, I will refer back to my original statement: as a general rule, a Judger will prefer to prepare in advance for whatever the future holds, whether this means strategizing, scheduling, avoiding last minute plans, etc. They may yield to last minute plans, but not feel fully comfortable in doing so. (Perhaps, it will provoke a bit of anxiety.)

Note: A Perceiver who is skipping over their extraverted perceiving function (also known as looping), will appear more like a Judger. The types I’m referring to would be the IXXP types, since they’re the ones with an auxiliary extraverted Perceiving function to skip over.

What does the J vs. P Dichotomy NOT tell us?

1. Judgmentalness

Some people fall in the trap of thinking that J types will be more judgmental by default, which is incorrect. It is true that TJs are prone to a certain degree of harshness that can come off as being judgmental. However, there are a couple of inconsistencies in generally stating that J types will be more judgmental than P types.

a. Fe is harmony oriented function

This, of course, accounts for half of the J types. Sure, Fe types can be judgmental, especially around people that are close to them. However, the auxiliary Fe types, for instance, tend to be conflict averse, which means they will hide any judgemental nature that they possess for the sake of maintaining harmony within the group. If you come across an IXFJ that constantly seems to seek out conflict or confrontation, the person is more than likely mistyped, assuming they’re healthy and this is normal behavior for them. Fe users won’t try to fix or criticize most people that they come across. They’ll want to unify by finding common ground, or a way to exist in harmony. Obviously, in severe or serious matters, they can lash out or fight back, but this type of behavior will not typically define an IXFJ. Dominant Fe user may (or may not) display a judgemental nature a bit more prominently

b. Everyone is judgemental

P types get this laidback, go-with-the-flow, anything goes reputation. However, they can be just as harsh and judgemental when their introverted judging function is triggered. Ti users are known for being argumentative. Fi users are known for lashing out against values that contradict their own. All of the Perceivers are highly individualistic, and thus are prone to butting heads with whatever social structure they find themselves embedded into. Where a Te user may see a value in the physical order of operations, and an Fe user may see value in social cohesion, a P type may simply see the group as trying to control and dictate their behavior. Ergo, you have to use caution when focusing too hard on whether or not someone is judgmental. A prime example of where it can lead you astray is with the IXFPs vs. the IXFJs. On average, an IXFP will appear more judgemental than an IXFJ due to Fi’s high personal standards and Te’s desire to enforce and control.

2. Organization

While generally speaking, Perceivers are known for being less organized than Judgers, you have to be a bit careful in using this as a basis for typing, because the main functions that desire a form of order are Te and Si. Te wants external control and Si wants physical consistency. A Judger without either of these functions may appear more like a Perceiver in the stereotypical organization sense. I’m primarily referring to the NFJs here. Additionally, a Perceiver who is developing use of a lower Te function, may appear more physically ordered in their home, like a J would, since that would be a safe, small-scale Te use.

In conclusion…

You have to be careful with the dichotomies, because while a trait may be true on average, your analysis may end up way off if you hit up against the inconsistencies. The dichotomies are a good starting point to get the basics of the 16 types personality theory. However, once you’re able to get a decent understanding of that, it’s best to focus in on the cognitive functions specifically and learn to identify behavior specific to each function so you are able to account for situations where the dichotomies fall short.

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