Everyone knows that AP-type functions are defined by combinations of properties: they are divided into subjective/objective, conscious/unconscious and introverted/extraverted. These terms were introduced by the psychosophy author Afanasyev himself and are actively used in practice to this day. Given that psychosophy is a young typology, it does not stand still. Thus, in the course of our project, we have developed and formulated several other definitions for the properties of functions, which, in our opinion, better reflect the principles of their operation. Let’s take a closer look at them:
1 and 4 – unconscious
Most of the time, a person is unaware of their own and others’ states in terms of the aspects of the unconscious functions. It is difficult for them to concentrate their attention on these aspects and they want to achieve a stable state in them so as not to return to these aspects unnecessarily. For example, 1F and 4F do not like to pay attention to their appearance and the appearance of other people, to their physical needs, to any subtleties in cooking or decorating their home, to the order in the house, etc., so they strive to create conditions in which their needs will be constantly met without unnecessary fuss.
2 and 3 – conscious
As for the aspects of the conscious functions, a person is constantly focused on them and notices the slightest changes in their own and others’ states related to these aspects. For instance, 2E and 3E constantly monitor how they appear to others, what impression they make on others, and they also notice the slightest reactions of those around them, determining their internal emotional state; they pay the same attention to their own feelings.
1 and 3 – introverted
Regarding the aspects of the introverted functions, a person is directed towards their own state, its maintenance or change. For example, 1V and 3V are focused on achieving their own goals, realizing their desires and they seek help and support from other people in this regard. At the same time, they are not interested in motivating someone else to achieve their goals or supporting others’ ambitions.
2 and 4 – extraverted
The Second and the Fourth functions can be called extraverted because a person is primarily interested in the state of others, not their own state. Thus, the aspects of these functions are directed outward. For example, 2L and 4L are interested not so much in forming their own opinion on a particular issue as in supporting or changing someone else’s opinion, through debates and discussions or simply agreeing with it.
1 and 2 – subjective
A person can and wants to influence other people through the aspects of the subjective functions, but they themselves are not subject to influence. For instance, 1F and 2F have a clear understanding of their own or others’ needs in the material world and they satisfy these needs, imposing them on others as well. These can be preferences in food, notions of beauty, lifestyle and so on.
3 and 4 – objective
Regarding the aspects of the objective functions, a person cannot influence others but is subject to influence by those around them. For example, 3V and 4V have difficulty taking responsibility for making decisions, and it is easy for others to impose their goals on them by making decisions for them.
We hope that this information has provided you with a more accurate and coherent understanding of the properties of functions and psychosophy in general. If you enjoyed the article, please share it with your friends so that more people can learn about our developments.