Philosopher Geek

Previously we discussed the different way in which people gather information about the world, their so-called Perceiving function. We also discussed how they make decisions, their so-called Judging function. We now look at how someone uses those two functions together.

The last letter defines whether a person prefers to use their Judging function (Thinking or Feeling) or their Perceiving function (Sensing or iNtuition) in the outer world. More correctly, it defines which function a person prefers to use in its extroverted form.
[We can use each function (e.g., Thinking or Sensing) in an introverted form or an extraverted form. For now though, the “uses in the outer world” description is good enough.]

Judging types prefer to use their judging function in the outer world. They want to bring order to their outer world. They will tend to seem more ordered and decisive because their decision making function is their public face. Perceiving types prefer to use their perceiving function in the outer world. They want to take in information from their outer world. They will tend to appear more flexible or questioning because their information gathering function is their public face. In conversation, judging types may prefer to argue (come to a decision) where perceiving types may prefer to discuss (find out more and understand their options).

While Judgers will use their Judging function in an extroverted manner, they will use their perceiving function in an introverted manner. Perceivers reverse this: they use their perceiving function in an extroverted manner but use their judging function in an introverted manner (bringing order to their internal world). This balancing of cognitive functions is what completes type. It also means that we tend to be aware of only one part of other people. We only see their extroverted public face (J or P), their private (introverted) function are not clearly visible to us.

Judgers

Judgers tend to like more order and schedule in their life. They are more likely to belief in a correct way to approach something. The will tend to have more “should” and “ought” in their beliefs.
What they seek: Stability or certainty.
Motto: Decide and schedule.
Complains about Perceivers: Messy, disorganized, unreliable, indecisive.

Perceivers

Perceivers tend to like flexibility and options in their life. They are more likely to believe that there are many ways to approach something. They will tend to have more “maybe” and “depends” in their beliefs.
What they seek: Discovery and options.
Motto: But what about . . .?
Complains about Judgers: Rigid, dogmatic, rushed, argumentative.

Notes:

It is important to understand that the J/P preference does not stand alone. How it appears depends very much on the preferred Judging function (Thinking or Feeling) but also on the other preferences (Extroversion versus Introversion, and Sensing versus iNtuiting). However, the basic dichotomy does still apply.

It is also important to note that we are talking of preference and basic motivation. Perceivers are capable of keeping to a schedule and Judgers are capable of exploring options. Neither type is stuck into a world of constant disorder or rigid steadfastness. However, each type will tend to be more comfortable in one type of situation over the other. Also, we all adapt to our current situation: A perceiver may appear more scheduled during the work day, while the judger may appear more relaxed on his day off.