Beginner’s Guide to the Judging Functions
This “Beginner’s Guide to the Judging Functions” is a follow-up article to a previous one that we wrote on the perceiving functions (called Beginner’s Guide to the Perceiving Functions). While we often discuss cognitive functions individually, doing deep dives and individual analyses, it’s important to paint a big picture of how these functions act in combination. After all, no cognitive function operates purely in isolation. Everything exists on a spectrum. So, the intent behind this beginner’s guide is to give an overview of the judging functions and how they interact with each other.
What Are The Judging Functions?
Each of the 16 personality types are made up of cognitive functions. You could refer to the cognitive functions as the building blocks. The 4-letter type code is a just a designation to indicate which functions have the priority.
Carl Jung originally defined eight cognitive functions, four of which are judging functions, while the other four are perceiving functions. He referred to the judging functions as “rational” because their focus is forming judgments from the information that is fed to them via the perceiving functions. (Each judging function does this in different ways.) They’re less concerned with gathering, and more concerned with vetting or ordering.
The four judging functions are the following: Extraverted Thinking (Te), Extraverted Feeling (Fe), Introverted Thinking (Ti), and Introverted Feeling (Fi).
Categorizing the Judging Functions
There are two different ways you can group the four judging functions: by orientation or by type of judgments. Orientation splits the judging functions by extraversion and introversion. The extraverted judging functions (Te and Fe) focus on objective data, wanting to make decisions with external value or based on external impact, while the introverted judging functions (Ti and Fi) focus on subjective data, wanting to orient themselves to an internal set of principles.
Splitting them up by type of judgments groups the functions by whether they value feeling or thinking. This is the more prominent way to group the judging functions, popularized by the Myers-Briggs theory.
The Judging Functions Come In Pairs
There are two different types of thinkers and two different types of feelers. However, every thinker has a feeling function to balance them out (if they develop it), just like every feeler has a thinking function to balance them out. Extraverted Thinking (Te) always comes with Introverted Feeling (Fi), while Introverted Thinking (Ti) always comes with Extraverted Feeling (Fe). Those are the two judging axes: Te/Fi and Ti/Fe. Te/Fi includes the TJs and the FPs, while Ti/Fe includes the FJs and the TPs. You can’t have both types of feeling or sensing, and both types are distinct.
Thinkers vs. Feelers
Some people do seem to definitively know that they’re a thinker or a feeler without knowing anything about the cognitive functions. However, it’s also common to see certain people convinced that they are thinkers when they are actually feelers, for a variety of reasons. Of course, the reverse can happen as well. Unfortunately, people like to associate thinking with intelligence, which is a misconception. Feelers can be just as intelligent as thinkers. These labels have more to do with the type of data that each type naturally values or prioritizes when forming their judgments.
Related Article: Feeling vs Thinking: What Are Values?
Not All Thinkers and Feelers Look Alike
The thinking functions do share some similarities, just like the feeling functions share some similarities, which is why grouping by this dichotomy is not invalid. However, Te is distinct from Ti, just like Fi is distinct from Fe. For instance, while INTPs and INTJs may both be thinkers, these types look significantly different from one another. The same goes for the ESFJs and ESFPs. Te/Fi does not really look like Ti/Fe, although it can produce similar results at times. If you’re on an entirely different judging axis than someone else, the two of you won’t actually think very much alike, even if you manage to arrive at the same conclusion.
The Te/Fi Judging Axis
The Te/Fi axis merges a focus on external systems with one’s internal value system. As thinking extraverted onto the world, Te emphasizes structure and efficiency within its physical environment. On the other hand, Fi is attuned to one’s subjective feelings, from which it forms values and an individualistic identity. When in harmony, Te and Fi strive to strike a balance between individual ideals and objective, concrete standards.
Related Article: The Cognitive Functions In Each Position: Te and Fi
Te/Fi in the TJs
When someone has a preference for Te over Fi, they fall into the TJ type category. TJs use Te as their primary judging lens, and will focus on applying their practical knowledge in efficient or orderly ways. Their logic tends to be driven by what is externally verifiable and what can be explained in an applicable way. As a result, TJs tend to excel at predicting cause and effect, in addition to managing time, when necessary. They are task-oriented, focusing on bringing about the results they desire. (Bear in mind, that not all TJs are hyper-ambitious, career-oriented workaholics. Many will only work the minimum amount of time necessary, so that they can have downtime to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor.)
The more Te is valued, the less valued Fi will be, which can range from completely ignoring Fi to valuing it almost equally, depending on the personality type. On average, though, Te will win out over Fi. Most TJs don’t like to spend a lot of time dwelling on their identity or personal feelings, which will result in them only doing so when absolutely necessary. For the IXTJs, this results in a rigid sense of self, one that they’re reluctant to update once it’s been formed. For the EXTJs, this can result in suppressing their sense of self in favor of what is externally valued or externally achievable. Many TJs base their sense of self or their self-worth on their external goals, abilities, and/or accomplishments, because these things are objective in nature.
Related Articles: Exploring Extraverted Thinking (Te), 6 Extraverted Thinking (Te) Stereotypes, and The Dual Nature of Extraverted Thinking (Te)
Te/Fi in the FPs
When someone has a preference for Fi over Te, they fall into the FP type category. FPs use Fi as their primary judging lens, and will focus on forming a system of values that is completely in sync with their subjective feelings. For the record, these values will not always be moralistic in nature. Rather, they will be values that matter to that specific FP, things they have deemed to be right or wrong for them personally. They will feel closely connected to their personal feelings, having an instinctive sense of what does or does not align with their sense of self. As a result, FPs are often individualists, focusing on staying true to their unique identity. In addition, Fi, especially when dominant, lends itself to idealism, because in the process of forming values, FPs often form ideals that they dream of realizing.
The more Fi is valued, the less valued Te will be, which can range from completely ignoring it to valuing it almost equally, depending on the personality type. Typically, Fi will still win out over Te, though. Most FPs strive to find a perfect fit for themselves in the real world, desiring to make a concrete impact. However, low Te insecurity can lead to them fearing that they are incapable, or viewing external systems as an enemy that’s trying to suppress them. Because of their Te, many FPs actually desire structure or order within their lives, albeit to a lesser degree than the TJs. In fact, they often find that they do best when incorporating consistent structure, like a TJ does naturally. While too much rigidity is often counterproductive for them, many FPs find some satisfaction in streamlining smaller portions of their lives.
Related Articles: Exploring Introverted Feeling (Fi), 8 Strengths of Introverted Feeling (Fi), and 6 Introverted Feeling (Fi) Stereotypes
The Ti/Fe Judging Axis
The Ti/Fe axis merges a focus on internal systems and an objective value system. As thinking that introverted, Ti will focus on creating a system of logical principles, through which it forms a personalized understanding of the world. On the other hand, Fe emphasizes cohesion within the social environment by focusing on how emotions and feelings are impacting the external world. When in harmony, Ti and Fe strive to strike a balance between subjective, logical ideas and universally-recognized, social values.
Related Article: The Cognitive Functions In Each Position: Ti and Fe
Ti/Fe in the FJs
When someone has a preference for Fe over Ti, they will fall into the FJ category. FJs use Fe as their primary judging lens. These types will focus on the emotional impact that they are having on others. Most of the time, this manifests in maintaining harmony amongst others and themselves. Some FJs will be more proactive about this, by offering advice or guiding the social interactions in their vicinity. Others will simply align themselves with social expectations, effectively contributing to the desired atmosphere. FJs are typically relationship-oriented, in the sense of seeing themselves through the eyes of their relationships. They want to find their place of belonging, or their family, so to speak. FJ’s often frame their reasoning with an “others” focus, making it seemingly detached from any personal motivations. After all, they’re focused on what makes the most people happy or satisfied.
The more valued Fe is the less valued Ti will be. Like with the others, this can range from completely discarding Ti to valuing it almost equally, , depending on the personality type. In most situations, however, Fe will still win out over Ti. Generally speaking, Ti is responsible for forming an internal set of logical principles for purpose of making personal judgements. FJ’s will want to remain consistent with their logical ideas. For instance, many FJs are willing to rationalize away certain rules, or make exceptions to external regulations, for the sake of others and/or the greater good. FJs can be quite stubborn about certain core principles or judgements to the point of being extremely inflexible and unwilling to reconsider. However, some may too readily set their personal principles aside in favor of their community’s values.
Related Articles: Exploring Extraverted Feeling (Fe) and 5 Extraverted Feeling (Fe) Stereotypes
Ti/Fe in the TPs
When someone has a preference for Ti over Fe, they will fall into the TP category. TPs use Ti as their primary judging lens. They will be focused on judging information from the external world against their personal system of understanding. Their logic is dictated by what makes sense to them, which requires that it be consistent with everything else that they’ve deem valid. They verify information, ideas or concepts inwardly, before checking their external validity. TPs are willing to reject external facts, if it seems out of sync with information that they’ve determined to be true. Although Ti is (in a sense) an individualistic function, TPs are not identity focused, but instead focus on adhering to their own set of principles in spite of the world around them. So, while FPs are known for being individualistic, TPs are more known for being autonomous.
The more valued Ti is the less valued Fe will be. This ranges from a complete disregard of Fe to valuing it almost equally, depending on the personality type. In a majority of cases, though, Ti will win out. Fe will manifest as a desire to belong or be accepted by a group of people that value their input. However, many TPs (especially when the Fe is inferior) have a distaste for relying on others, and struggle to adapt to the emotional expectations of the external environment. They often suppress their emotions in favor of remaining objective and logical. When attempting to find acceptance, TPs often approach it by trying to foster skills or produce ideas that serve either the greater good or the specific group they wish to be accepted by.
Related Articles: Exploring Introverted Thinking (Ti), Explaining Introverted Thinking (Ti) Identity, Downside of Introverted Thinking (Ti): An Example, Introverted Thinking (Ti): Potential Logical Flaws, and 7 Introverted Thinking (Ti) Stereotypes
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Just as fun to read as the Perceiving article!
“Because of their Te, many FPs actually desire structure or order within their lives, albeit to a lesser degree than the TJs. In fact, they often find that they do best when incorporating consistent structure, like a TJ does naturally.”
My INFP and INTJ friends (they’re sisters) play a game called “Overcooked” where you run a restaurant and I’ve noticed that the way they do things is very structured. INFP sister runs the kitchen while the INTJ sister runs the front of house and serving the tables. They spent a lot of time discussing the “best”/most efficient way to set things up in-between days. It’s very fun to watch, haha.
Also, I came up with quotes to try to capture the “spirit” of each function. Feel free to criticize or correct if you think I’m being inaccurate in any way!
Ti: (On the subject of aliens hiding in society)
“Edwards : Why the big secret? People are smart. They can handle it.
Kay : A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it. Fifteen hundred years ago everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was flat, and fifteen minutes ago, you knew that humans were alone on this planet. Imagine what you’ll know tomorrow.”
-Men In Black
I think this captures the spirit of “My perspective > The collective” and the distrust of “known” facts that Ti can have sometimes.
Te:
“Look at all I’ve done without you. I’ve restored justice. I AM the justice. No more bad guys, ever! I don’t need you. This planet doesn’t need you. Nobody will miss you, and nobody will care. YOU are the bad guy, and I’ll show you how this justice system deals with bad guys!”
– Moustache Girl (A Hat In Time)
I think this shows both Te and how high Te tends to use accomplishments to define their Fi. (Consensus on Moustache Girl is ENTJ last I checked, btw.) She said this to the protagonist after she essentially made herself Judge, Jury and Executioner for everyone on the planet. (In her defense, though, I think someone needed to do SOMETHING because a lot of people on that planet were just horrible lol.)
Fi:
“Doesn’t matter what the press says. Doesn’t matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn’t matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: the requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world — ‘No, you move.’ “
– Captain America
Even though Captain America is an ISFJ, I think this captures the “personal morals > collective morals” spirit of Fi? I think he said this during the Civil War in the comics over heroes having to register their secret identities.
Fe:
“It’s not what you gather but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.”
– Helen Walton
I saw this at a store and it was pretty memorable to me. The “scattering” is your impact on other people, presumably, which fits Fe well in my opinion.
Correction: The game is called “Plate Up”. I got it confused with another game. 😖
These are really interesting. Thanks for sharing! Hearing other people describe and define the functions sometimes helps me sort through the mess in my mind.
I often see descriptions for low T function, perhaps more in the case of Te, being associated with fearing that one is incapable or incompetent. You’ve also mentioned this in your article in the FP section. However, could it also be possible for high T (or Te) types to be insecure about their capabilities and competency since those types focus on that area more?
Certainly. TJs often define themselves by their accomplishments, so a TJ that feels incapable of accomplishing anything or hasn’t managed to accomplish anything yet would feel insecure.