The INTP “Prodigy”

INTP Cognitive Functions:

Dominant Function: Introverted Thinking (Ti)

Above all, INTPs are interested in grasping theories and underlying principles. They want to take apart the world around them and understand how it works from the ground up. The more challenging the problem, the more they are invigorated by it. Their aim is precision and accuracy, and they don’t mind taking their time to analyze an idea or rule to see it from the most objective angle. What mental process creates this hunger for truth in the INTP? Introverted Thinking, or “Ti” for short.

For the Introverted Thinker, internal order is paramount. If you’ve seen articles condemning INTPs as “lazy” or “disorganized” it’s only because observers are only focusing on the outside. Extraverted Thinking, the function employed by TJ types, is focused on organizing the outer world, while Introverted Thinking is focused primarily on organizing the internal world. They are constantly refining their mental database of ideas, theories, and facts to get more and more specific and accurate.

The INTP is an internal architect that is constantly building a framework with which to hold their ideas, theories, and truths. They invest a lot of time and energy into making decisions and making sure they’re relying on the most truthful data they can find. They don’t accept rules or facts based on tradition or social norms; instead, they constantly sift through data to see what is usable, accurate, and logical. Sometimes the conclusions they reach during this process are unpopular because pure truth doesn’t always subscribe to what’s socially “acceptable” or common. Their naturally inquisitive, skeptical nature gives them a leg up in science-related careers where their natural curiosity and depth of research is valued.

How Thinking Can Land Young INTPs in Precarious Situations:

Especially as children, INTPs often feel that they are rebuked for debating or questioning traditions and rules, when in fact they are not very combative people by nature. INTPs don’t want to push their agenda on others or force others into their way of thinking; they are independent and believe in “living and letting live.” But they’re also unwilling to compromise just to reach a consensus with others – if it doesn’t make sense to them, they can’t go along with it.

When presented with an idea, INTPs first look for any logical inconsistencies or errors that might be present. After they’ve eliminated what’s not true, then they look for what IS true. The problem here is that many people get fed up or offended when they’re in the critiquing phase. They may feel that INTPs are overly critical or tactless, but this is simply because they don’t understand their method. INTPs are just as harsh with their own ideas as they are with others, but they can’t begin to appreciate an idea until they’ve first sifted through the information to cast aside any bad data. Once the bad data is discarded they can work with the good data and see where it fits into the grand scheme of things.

Auxiliary Function: Extraverted Intuition (Ne)

When INTPs look at the world around them, they use a mental process called Extraverted Intuition, or Ne for short. Ne allows them to see endless possibilities, relationships, connections, and outcomes. It gives the INTP an eye for the future, the potential, and “the big picture”. They look for patterns and processes that are hidden from plain view, and they try to find imaginative angles and connections that other people have missed. Ne gives the INTP an optimism for the future, an ability to see what may happen or what could be, how things can transform and evolve.

Extraverted Intuition allows the INTP to “connect the dots” and see how one thing is related to another. Like a spider’s web, they see everything as interconnected. It’s as if they’re standing on a precipice overlooking the universe, viewing all the links and bonds between one thing and another. Ideas and insights jump out at them from all directions; puzzling onlookers who probably see them as just “random.” To the INTP everything is linked, nothing stands alone. They may jump from one thing to another in conversation, moving from A to Z to F to D. This can be very frustrating to sensing types who prefer a linear conversation, but to the INTP, these jumps are necessary to show the connections between their ideas.

Because INTPs see so many alternatives and unique angles, they can seem like procrastinators to many types. They can especially frustrate EJ types, who like things decided quickly. All the same, it’s vital not to rush them unless it’s absolutely necessary. They hate to be hurried along in their process; what might seem like a simple “black and white” problem to one type is really a thousand shades of gray to an INTP.

Tertiary Function: Introverted Sensing (Si)

The development of Introverted Sensing comes as kind of a surprise to those who know INTPs well. This function is nearly the opposite of Extraverted Intuition, the function we just discussed. While Ne is all about seeing new possibilities and abstract connections, Introverted Sensing (or “Si” for short) is all about using your personal experience and deriving practical, concrete applications from that.

When Introverted Sensing Develops:

INTPs usually develop Si in their 20’s or 30’s, and then it becomes a process they really enjoy using creatively or as a way to relax and find relief. Around this time, you might find that INTPs revisiting their favorite places, watching their favorite childhood movies, or listening to songs they enjoyed as a child or teen. They might suddenly develop a passion for a certain type of memorabilia or they may become more fond of repeating certain processes that they’ve learned instead of always having to try something new and different.

The young INTP is more likely to bypass Si and instead focus on intuition and trying new things, new concepts, new ways of doing everything. As the INTP develops Si they become more balanced. They still experiment with new methods, but they’ve also discovered which tried-and-true processes are worth repeating and when it’s practical to use a proven method versus experimenting.

Inferior Function: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

Extraverted Feeling, or “Fe” for short, is the inferior function of the INTP. This tends to be an area where INTPs struggle and trip up in day-to-day life. They often feel uncomfortable using this function or stressed if they have to rely on it a great deal.

But what is Extraverted Feeling?

Fe is all about connecting with the emotions and moods of other people and maintaining morale. It’s about sensing the “emotional atmosphere” of the people around you; the social cues, customs, expectations, needs, and wants of others. People who prefer Fe (EFJs, for example) tend to be very warm, accommodating, tactful individuals. INTPs, who have inferior Fe, can struggle with knowing and understanding the emotions of other people or the needs that they are dealing with. Frequent social gatherings can feel overwhelming. Coming up with small talk? Perfecting social pleasantries? For many INTPs, this is a lot of work and feels really awkward. Often INTPs prefer a small group of close friends to large social events.

How the Inferior Function Affects the INTP During Stress

If an INTP is experiencing extreme or chronic stress, they might fall “into the grip” of Extraverted Feeling. When this happens, they start to behave unlike their normal selves; more edgy, more emotional, more expressive, more concerned with what other people think. They might have unusual emotional outbursts and lose their normal objective, logical frame of mind. This is usually a very disconcerting time for the INTP. They can feel lost, confused, and irritated at themselves because they know they are not operating in their element. You can find out more about this here.

The Healthy Development of Extraverted Feeling:

INTPs gradually develop and mature in their use of Fe as they get older, especially as they reach their 50’s and 60’s. When this happens, they become more in tune with the needs and desires of others, and they become much more concerned with making decisions that are not only logical, but address the needs of the group. They become more tactful and more capable of giving praise and warmth. As INTPs develop Fe, they suddenly realize they can be themselves, but they can also present their ideas with warmth and tact, which makes them land so much better.