INFJ/INTJ: Relying on Gut Feelings - A Debate Between Ni and Se
Infusing skepticism and insight into the debate, Ni (Intuition) and Se (Sensing) functions of INFJs and INTJs lead to differing perspectives. This article delves into the extent to which these individuals rely on their gut feelings and questions whether trust in such instincts is always warranted.
Introduction: The Role of Intuition
Intuition, often symbolized by the Ni function, is a powerful cognitive process that transcends the realm of concrete, direct sensory input provided by Se (Sensing). Intuition plays a crucial role in examining the foundational data collected through Se. Through Ni, individuals ask themselves questions like, 'Is this truly what we want?' This critical reevaluation is akin to the work described by philosopher Edmund Husserl, who explored the intentional nature of human consciousness.
Se and Ni: Gathering and Analyzing Information
While Se focuses on practical, sensory experiences, Ni takes these sensory inputs and infers deeper meanings. Ni helps to discern between what is truly beneficial and what should be avoided. For instance, cutting the skin may be painful (Se), but the ? ? may produce dogmas from sensory experiences. However, the decision to cut the skin to unclog veins becomes more complex. Ni introduces the dimension of probability, allowing individuals to weigh the potential harm versus the intended benefit.
Metaphysical in nature, hypotheses exist only as mental constructs. Ni, in the form of a Schr?dinger's cat, offers a point of speculation that does not become a real decision until actually measured. Ni allows us to consider the improbable and the impossible, enabling us to skip unproductive experiments and focus on meaningful ones. This mental leap transforms raw, sensory information into a deeper, more abstract understanding.
The Dichotomy of Ni and Se
The perception formed in the mind when using Ni is distinct from the direct sensory experience it seeks to understand. Once our senses are withdrawn, the concrete becomes abstract, and the 56 no longer resembles the 78. Ni provides a means to manipulate and alter sensory data, transforming it into something new and imaginative. Ni and Ti (Thinking) work in the background, while Ne (Intuition) and Te (Thinking) project these abstract concepts onto the screen of reality.
The Role of Gut Feelings
INFJs and INTJs do not rely on gut feelings to find exact answers but rather to reason out the probabilities and make informed decisions. For instance, instead of guessing that a hidden answer is exactly 2 or 3, Ni helps in determining the higher probability of one number over the other. This process, while not infallible, allows individuals to approach problems from a more analytical and rational standpoint.
Conclusion: A Gift of Choices and Free Will
The gift of free will allows us to harness the power of Ni and Te to transcend the limitations of nature and destiny. While we may not always rely on gut feelings, they serve as a powerful tool for making intuitive adjustments and guiding our decisions. This ability to reason and make sound judgments is a blessing for those who value both instinct and conscious thought.
INFJs and INTJs, with their dominant Ni function, do not blindly trust gut feelings. Instead, they use these instincts to reason out probabilities, making informed decisions grounded in both intuition and sensory experience.