INTP vs ISTP: Am I auxiliary Se or Ne?

INTP vs ISTP is an extremely common dilemma, one that I even struggled with at one point in time. From a cognitive function standpoint, this dilemma is specifically concerning the differences between auxiliary Ne and auxiliary Se. We have a much older article (IXTP/IXFP: Am I an Ne or Se User?) addressing this dilemma, but after reviewing it the other day, I thought it was due for an update.

Beware of Bias

Before I get into the meat of this article, I need to start with a bias warning. No personality type is better than the other, but some tend to be described in a more appealing way. Intuitives are often described much more favorably, and the online community often looks on them with much more admiration than their sensor counterparts. As a result, when dealing with the INTP vs ISTP dilemma, an ISTP may end up biased toward typing as an INTP (whether subconsciously or consciously). Try to approach this subject with an open mind.

INTP vs ISTP: Cognitive Functions

The INTP and the ISTP have similar function stacks. Both share Introverted Thinking (Ti) as their dominant, or first, cognitive function, and Extraverted Feeling (Fe) as their inferior, or fourth function. The difference is in their perceiving axis. The INTP has Extraverted Intuition (Ne), as their auxiliary, or second function, and Introverted Sensing (Si), as their tertiary, or third, function. In comparison, the ISTP has Extraverted Sensing (Se) and Introverted Intuition (Ni).

In summary, their cognitive function stacks are as follows:
INTP = Ti-Ne-Si-Fe
ISTP = Ti-Se-Ni-Fe

Why Does This Mistype Happen?

People confused between these two personality types can end up being either type. However, more often than not, an ISTP will mistype as an INTP, rather than the reverse. As a result, there are a lot of ISTPs hidden among the INTPs. This can be due to personal bias, a failure to see one’s self objectively, or misinformation regarding the two types. For instance, descriptions of Ne often steal elements of Ti, which results in ISTP descriptions having a heavier focus on Se to account for the loss of Ti. Naturally, an ISTP may struggle to relate to the almost ESTP-like ISTP descriptions, while finding familiarity in the Ti-Ne of the INTP descriptions.

INTP vs ISTP: Similarities

These personality types should heavily relate to one another. That is the result of sharing a dominant and inferior function. Some people try to create too great a distinction between sensors and intuitives, but in reality, these two types are similar. Generally speaking, both tend to be emotionally detached, from themselves and others. They prioritize what makes sense to them subjectively, sometimes in spite of external sources. As perceivers, both seek to explore and experience, but what they prefer to explore and why can differ. As dominant introverts, both tend to be more passive, preferring to think or judge first, prior to acting. This includes the ISTP, with auxiliary Se. As a result, both types may need “help” seeking out new experiences from more extraverted types.

INTP vs ISTP: 10 Differences

Note: Bear in mind, that in this article I’m discussing INTP vs ISTP tendencies, not absolutes. It irritates me when people take what I say too extreme. We can all grow from our default behaviors and learn to balance ourselves between the extremes. However, when it comes to personality typing, your default tendencies are the most telling. Identify your natural leaning, where you had to grow from.

1. INTPs can verbalize their thought process, while ISTPs may struggle to do so

INTPs, with their Si, tend to have a concrete connection to their thoughts. They won’t always share their thought process or think out loud (social introversion, etc.), but when prompted, they often can retrace their steps or thoughts fairly easily. They may not feel like they’ve done it accurately, or feel satisfied with their attempt, but they’re usually still good at producing an explanation with actual words. ISTPs often can’t, because they lack a concrete connection to their thoughts (Ni). It usually takes a lot more effort for them to place words to what they’re thinking, which makes them overall much more resistant to sharing their thoughts (impromptu), especially if the thought is half-baked.

2. INTPs are more verbose, while ISTPs are more concise

Let me preface this with: (1) both types can be good speakers, and (2) both types can be verbose when necessary or concise when necessary. However, due to the previous point, I find that INTPs, with their Ne/Si, often default to long-winded explanations, because they tend to draw connections between a lot more details in addition to having an easier time verbalizing their thought process. ISTPs, with their Se/Ni, often default to brief and concise explanations, preferring to get straight to the point. (ISTPs often prefer to speak through actions.) In other words, when answering the same question, the INTP is the one who replies with a short essay, while the ISTP answers with a few brief sentences.

Obviously, there are pros and cons to both. The ISTP’s default answer may provide the exact information needed in a simple and straightforward way, or it may be too lacking in information to be useful. In contrast, the INTP’s answer may provide the desired (or much needed) depth of information, or it may be too convoluted and confusing, due to being too wordy or chalked full of unnecessary information. However, keep context in mind. For instance, an ISTP in a teacher role will learn to elaborate, and an INTP who is bored or uninterested may give curt, single word responses.

3. INTPs have an inclination toward generating multiple ideas, while ISTPs usually produce one or two options

Ne users don’t always feel like they’re good at formal brainstorming, but they usually excel at coming up with multiple ideas when they need to or when they want to. They may share all of the possible options, or they may internally narrow them down and only share the best one out loud. Either way, they are generating multiple ideas. ISTPs are often the opposite. They usually produce one, maybe two, good options. (Good is being used subjectively here. Every type will probably think their ideas are “good”.) It’s as if their brain subconsciously refuses to entertain certain paths, narrowing down their “ideas” subconsciously. Ultimately, for an ISTP there is often only one idea, and no “backup ideas”. Whereas, an INTP will consciously play out multiple scenarios and then recognize that certain one’s are invalid or less ideal. (Remember, this is auxiliary Ne so the ideas won’t necessarily be endless. Maybe just 3-4.)

4. INTPs enjoy random speculation, while ISTPs need it to have a practical purpose

In the INTP vs ISTP dilemma, people recognize propensity for abstraction as a key difference, but they often take it too far. Many mistakenly assume that sensors can’t be abstract or theoretical. That is not true; they just usually need to see a reason for it. INTPs are much more playfully abstract. They’ll engage in random, pointless speculation, like what if the moon was made of cheese. ISTPs may be more resistant to speculation and/or refuse to engage in it, because speculation takes more effort, isn’t enjoyable, and/or might be written off as pointless. INTPs will thrive more on speculation, finding it natural and entertaining.

5. INTPs prefer to engage with ideas first, while ISTPs prefer to engage in the physical world

Both are introverted, so both will introspect first. I’m referring mostly to their preference for socialization or interacting with the external world. An INTP may find that they try to engage someone on an abstract level, but when that fails, fall back on physical activity. An ISTP may be the opposite, finding it easier to engage with someone conversationally while in action. (This may especially be true for a dominant thinker, who is hesitant to connect with others.)

6. INTPs tend to overthink more, while ISTPs have an easier time going with their gut

Both types can be decisive or indecisive, but those with Ne/Si are prone to overthinking due to their tendency to entertain multiple scenarios and preference toward speculation. ISTPs can fall prey to overthinking, especially if the decision is a particularily weighty one. However, on average, ISTPs tend to be quicker to give up on speculation and just choose something. Confident Se users tend to feel more comfortable with changing what they’re doing mid-action. In contrast, the INTPs can be extremely decisive when their Si, via past experiences, already has the answer.

For instance, in an average troubleshooting scenario, an INTP will likely consider a few scenarios upon encountering a problem, pick one, try it, run more possibilities when that fails, pick another one, and etc. until the problem is solved. An ISTP might try to launch immediately into action with the first reasonable possibility that comes to mind, but then switch two seconds later (mid-action) when a better possibility surfaces.

7. INTPs desire experiences to store them away, while ISTPs desire experiences for the sake of them

Si users like the INTP may specifically desire to gain experiences that they can use as a reference point for later. They can obviously enjoy the experiences in the moment, but there’s a more conscious desire to store away memories for later, to enjoy in hindsight. (This can be why they make a lot of seemingly random references during conversation, in comparison to the ISTPs tendency to find conversational inspirational in what’s going on around them.) In comparison, the ISTPs, with their Se, can certainly enjoy having the memories later, but they’re focus is on now. They want to enjoy the moment. They tend to be less picky about the experiences they indulge because they feel disconnected from the past (due to their lack of Si).

8. INTPs consciously compare the past to the present, while ISTPs focus more on now.

Continuing from the previous point, ISTPs are usually more willing to give something another try, because they don’t tend to focus on the past. In this way, they are more objective, in the most literal sense of the word, because their connection to the sensory is focused on the objective (or the current, external reality) rather than their internal, subjective image. Si in INTPs will cause them to fixate on specific details in a past experience, and tie the result of the experience to those details. This can make them avoidant of experiences that share those key details. ISTPs do not usually fixate on past details like that. They view the past more abstractly, like a blurred image. They know what happened, but the details don’t matter as much. They’re not actively try to tie the current experience to a past one. After all, they’re not the same. This time might be different.

9. INTPs fixate on tiny details and inconsistencies, while ISTPs are more concerned with the general idea

Ti, or Introverted Thinking, is often tied closely to a desire for accuracy. People typically describe IXTPs as people who fixate on details and semantics in an effort to be precise and exact. This perspective is based on INTPs. Ti in combination with Si causes INTPs to fixate on tiny details, making them prone to being more nit picky. ISTPs, on the other hand, have Ni not Si. To them, the general idea is more important. They can dive into the tiny details if those details are causing a detrimental misunderstanding. However, a minor inaccuracy will not usually bother them if the overall understanding is correct.

Read More: An ISTP’s Perspective On Ti Accuracy

10. INTPs will appear to have random knowledge, while ISTPs will seem more specialized

Ne in a personality type gives them a desire to explore concepts and ideas. This can cause them to explore a broad range of subjects, but then move on quickly when boredom with the current subject sets in. Couple this with Si’s tendency toward gathering detailed information, and you’ll often find that INTPs appear to have a lot of random knowledge. On the other hand, Se tends to only want to store away information that it sees an immediate use for, so they tend to be a bit pickier in regards to gathering information. As a result, they may mistakenly discard a lot of information that might have been useful later. Instead, they’ll tend to know a lot about specific things they have researched (whether to solve a problem, explore an interest, or etc.)