MBTI vs CT part 3: Ne and Se
For those who haven't seen my previous post
https://www.reddit.com/r/mbti/comments/1qkt6uq/mbti_vs_ct_part_1_fe_and_te/
https://www.reddit.com/r/mbti/comments/1qof5i9/mbti_vs_ct_part_2_ti_and_fi/
>So, for starters, I'm a user of the Cognitive Typology system, which is a vultology-based typology. Since I decided to be more active in this subreddit, I figured, "it would be tiring having to re-explain myself every time the CT's interpretations of the functions conflict with the mainstream MBTI's." So I decided to write this post to serve as an easy future reference and maybe pique people's interest in CT.
>In here, I'll explore the differences between how MBTI and CT view each function. I won't get into vultology; this discussion is only about metabolism and behavior (metabolism being how the functions operate on their most basic fundamental level). I'll use each system's language when referring to them (e.g., ESFJ for MBTI, FeSi for CT, etc.).
>First, there are fundamental differences in how the functions are conceptualized across the two systems. In MBTI, functions are divided into Judgment (J) or Perception (P); J is divided into Thinking (T) and Feeling (F), while P is divided into Sensing (S) and iNtuition (N); T, F, S, and N are then divided into extrovert and introvert, forming the 8 functions: Te, Ti, Fe, Fi, Se, Si, Ne, and Ni.
>In contrast, in CT, J and P are both divided into Extrovert and Introvert, forming the 4 energetics: Je, Ji, Pe, and Pi, which are then divided into the 8 functions. Why does this matter? Because this affects how the functions work on a fundamental level, take Te for example, in MBTI, Te is the extrovert form of Thinking, so both Te and Ti are seen as variations of the same process (T), in contrast, in CT, Te is the thinking form of extroverted judgment, so Te and Fe are the ones that are variations of the same process (Je), this small diference can completely change how they end up manifesting in higher levels.
Pe Realtime
>Pe (extroverted perception) is a function that understands an object by its temporal immediacy, approaching it in a direct and experiential manner for what it is. Unlike other functions which approach objects through an interpretive framework or schema, Pe registers the immediate truth of an object's existence continuously, and seeks to explore the object curiously for its own sake, without being limited by past preconceptions. Examples of content that may emerge from this mental process are music composition, performance arts, creative arts, improv comedy and contemporary social commentary.
In MBTI, the Sensing functions are seen as past and present-oriented (or Si is past-oriented and Se present-oriented if you are following an 8 functions model), while the iNtuitive functions are both future-oriented. In CT, both Ne and Se are present-oriented, as Pe is the function responsible for gathering new information for the rest of the psyche to process. The difference is that Se doubles down on the present, seeking that which is unique and distinctive, creating a visceral experience of the world; while Ne drifts away from the present, seeking that which is rich in associative potential, creating an impressionistic experience of the world.
Also, because the function of Pe is to gather information, even solitary or somewhat sedentary activities might be considered Pe. One example often brought up is gaming; reading can also be Pe (or Pi depending on context); daydreaming is strongly correlated with Ne. In contrast, in MBTI, people who frequently engage in these activities are often labeled as Introverts. In CT, however, sociability is seen as separated from the extrovert/introvert dichotomy.
Ne Potentiality
>Ne is a function that absorbs objects in realtime (Pe), then extrapolates (N) new objects from their indiscriminate recombinations. Similar to how finding a ten dollar bill on the street opens up a spectrum of possibilities for what to do with the money, a possibility-space opens up around the objects Ne registers. In this space, Ne seeks out unconventional ideas for what the objects can transform or recombine into. As the recombinations become more unconventional, their capacity to generate even more novel association-chains increases, diverging ad infinitum.
Ne is probably one of the functions with the most overlap between the two systems; despite that, ENTPs and NeTis couldn't be more different. The debater archetype, often seen as a signature of ENTPs, is more closely correlated with Te in CT, as their blunt, witty, and argumentative communication style is characteristic of Te. The trickster archetype, which is somewhat synonymous with ENTP, is characteristic of Se-leads in CT, as Se is defined by opportunistic exploration vs. Ne's optimistic exploration. Furthermore, in CT, agreeableness is seen as separate from the thinking/feeling dichotomy, so it is not at all unusual for NeTi to be agreeable (or NeFis to be disagreeable).
Little sidenote I think worth mentioning, for some reason Ne-leads seem to dominate on the board sport fields (skateboard, snowboard, surfing, etc.), it is believed that this is due to this sport producing a "flight-like" feeling that is analogous to their desire for leaving this "one possibility" and entering imaginary realms.
Se Actuality
>Se is a function that absorbs objects in realtime (Pe), immersing itself into the subtleties of those objects (S). Similar to how two speakers can create an amplified echo when placed side by side, with each processing loop, Se's hyperfocus on objects heightens their intensity and vividity. It seeks objects with many layers of richness and detail to uncover, capable of providing high stimulation, whether those objects are abstract or concrete. If they are abstract objects, Se will immerse itself in those concepts with linear focus, learning everything it can from the subject.
One central aspect of CT's interpretation of Se, but lacking in other systems, is attentiveness. Se's visceral experience of life gives rise not only to an appreciation of realism but also a focused, immersive attention to tasks. They have a clear sense of volition and desire, often making them proactive and opportunistic in chasing after what they want.
I also like to discuss the relationship of Se with sports. In MBTI, Se is often seen as somewhat synonymous with the five senses, and the attraction of Se to sports stems from the physicality of the activity, but in CT, all functions, Se included, are completely abstract in nature. What attracts Se to sports, in the CT view, isn't the physicality, but rather its dynamic nature. When one is in a soccer game, for example, they must constantly absorb the world around them as it changes from moment to moment, and come up with creative responses to said changes on the fly. This flow and improvisation are what actually attract Se to sports, and therefore, how dominant Se is in different physically oriented fields will greatly vary based on how much said field incorporates dynamic flow. Something like bodybuilding or weightlifting, for example, is pure training, discipline, and perfection of technique, and so, despite its physical nature, it is Fe-dominated rather than Se.
Next I'll take a look on the Pi functions, Si and Ni
https://www.reddit.com/r/mbti/comments/1qxjwjt/mbti_vs_ct_part_4_si_and_ni/