As an INTP1, understanding your cognitive function stack can help with decision-making and personal growth. This post breaks down the four primary cognitive functions of the INTP personality type.
1. Dominant – Introverted Thinking (Ti): The Core of Logic
At the core of an INTP’s personality is Introverted Thinking (Ti), which seeks logical consistency. Ti allows INTPs to analyze, break down systems, and find precise solutions. However, it can also lead to overthinking.
How Ti shapes behavior:
- Constant need to understand how things work.
- Tendency to correct inaccuracies in conversations.
- Struggles with expressing emotions logically.
2. Auxiliary – Extraverted Intuition (Ne): The Idea Generator
Extraverted Intuition (Ne) drives curiosity and exploration, helping INTPs see endless possibilities and make abstract connections. However, this can lead to jumping between ideas without finishing projects.
How Ne manifests:
- Frequent idea changes without completion.
- Seeing patterns others miss.
- Finding unconventional solutions.
3. Tertiary – Introverted Sensing (Si): The Archive of Experience
Introverted Sensing (Si) helps INTPs recall past experiences, but it can also cause them to fixate on past mistakes rather than embracing change.
How Si influences behavior:
- Comparing new info with past experiences.
- Preferring familiar routines.
- Fixating on past mistakes.
4. Inferior – Extraverted Feeling (Fe): The Struggle with Emotion
Extraverted Feeling (Fe) is the weakest function, affecting INTPs’ social harmony and emotional expression. While they value logic, they still crave connection but often struggle to express it.
How Fe impacts interactions:
- Difficulty expressing emotions.
- Overanalyzing social interactions.
- A desire for deep, meaningful conversations.
How to Balance These Functions
- Strengthen Ti: Keep learning but avoid overanalyzing.
- Harness Ne: Embrace curiosity but structure your ideas.
- Develop Si: Recognize patterns but adapt to new methods.
- Improve Fe: Practice empathy and emotional awareness.
Cognitive Function Stacks for All MBTI Types
| Type | Dominant Function | Auxiliary Function | Tertiary Function | Inferior Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INTP | Introverted Thinking (Ti) | Extraverted Intuition (Ne) | Introverted Sensing (Si) | Extraverted Feeling (Fe) |
| ENTP | Extraverted Intuition (Ne) | Introverted Thinking (Ti) | Extraverted Feeling (Fe) | Introverted Sensing (Si) |
| INTJ | Introverted Intuition (Ni)2 | Extraverted Thinking (Te) | Introverted Feeling (Fi) | Extraverted Sensing (Se) |
| ENTJ | Extraverted Thinking (Te) | Introverted Intuition (Ni) | Extraverted Sensing (Se) | Introverted Feeling (Fi) |
| INFP | Introverted Feeling (Fi) | Extraverted Intuition (Ne) | Introverted Sensing (Si) | Extraverted Thinking (Te) |
| ENFP | Extraverted Intuition (Ne) | Introverted Feeling (Fi) | Extraverted Thinking (Te) | Introverted Sensing (Si) |
| INFJ | Introverted Intuition (Ni) | Extraverted Feeling (Fe) | Introverted Thinking (Ti) | Extraverted Sensing (Se) |
| ENFJ | Extraverted Feeling (Fe) | Introverted Intuition (Ni) | Extraverted Sensing (Se) | Introverted Thinking (Ti) |
| ISTP | Introverted Thinking (Ti) | Extraverted Sensing (Se) | Introverted Intuition (Ni) | Extraverted Feeling (Fe) |
| ESTP | Extraverted Sensing (Se) | Introverted Thinking (Ti) | Extraverted Feeling (Fe) | Introverted Intuition (Ni) |
| ISTJ | Introverted Sensing (Si) | Extraverted Thinking (Te) | Introverted Feeling (Fi) | Extraverted Intuition (Ne) |
| ESTJ | Extraverted Thinking (Te) | Introverted Sensing (Si) | Extraverted Intuition (Ne) | Introverted Feeling (Fi) |
| ISFP | Introverted Feeling (Fi) | Extraverted Sensing (Se) | Introverted Intuition (Ni) | Extraverted Thinking (Te) |
| ESFP | Extraverted Sensing (Se) | Introverted Feeling (Fi) | Extraverted Thinking (Te) | Introverted Intuition (Ni) |
| ISFJ | Introverted Sensing (Si) | Extraverted Feeling (Fe) | Introverted Thinking (Ti) | Extraverted Intuition (Ne) |
| ESFJ | Extraverted Feeling (Fe) | Introverted Sensing (Si) | Extraverted Intuition (Ne) | Introverted Thinking (Ti) |
Final Thoughts
Understanding your cognitive functions can help you balance strengths and weaknesses. While the MBTI and Big Five3 personality models take different approaches, they both aim to describe key traits that shape how we think and behave.