Personality Study Articles

Myers-Briggs, and Why Feelings Are Always Rational

Yes, Feelings are always rational.
“What?”
OK, Let’s sort out the details.

In Myers-Briggs Type Indicator methodology many commonly used words are redefined. ‘Feelings’ are not the same as ‘emotions’ which are a physiognomic sensory (S) experience.

The MBTI definition of F-Feeling falls into one of two sorting or ‘Rational’ functions, the other being T-Thinking. These two rational functions (F or T) fall into the 3rd position from left in the MBTI profile code.

The definition of ‘Rational’ Function appears to cause the misunderstanding. The insight for political influencers and demographers is that the true meaning refers to a ‘rationale’. ‘Not being rational’ is a colloquial expression, root of the misunderstanding. The method or Rationale for our mental sorting function will either be:

via Logic in the case of the T-Thinker, or…

via Values in the case of the F-Feeler.

The “logic” of logic is … well ok, … logical.
1 + 1 =2
How can anyone argue with that?
If 1 + 1 turns out not to be true, I will drop my argument, unemotionally, and adopt the new computational strategy, and be correct, true to logic.

The logic of ‘values’: based on socially shared judgments or personal convictions
1 + 1 = 2, 3, 4, 5 or whatever I ‘feel’ is ‘right’ or in accordance with my/our values
How can anyone argue with what I ‘like’ ‘love’ ‘admire’ or ‘cherish’?
If my values are violated I may use my rationale in arguments, but likely will hold fast and be, true to my/our values

Incidentally, every categorical aspect of this dichotomy is mutually exclusive [i.e. one logic, infinite values], [T-fluid cognitive parsing vs primordially strong bonding]

This has confounded strong thinkers since time immemorial. In human relations, to a ‘Feeler’ 1+1 can equal 3, period. Violate a Feeler’s deeply held externalized projection of internalized values and you will have a life-long grudge on your hands.

Yet ‘Feelers’ are just as capable of thinking as are ‘thinkers’, and the opposite is also true. It’s just that one overrides the other in judgement. Feelers are not weaklings, and may be the first to rush into a burning building to save a child, or be the first to die on a battlefield.

Voting is a rational (T or F) sorting function taking place in private, therefore Introverted, which is why face to face or telephone polling can sometimes be inaccurate, as was the case with Election 2016.

The prime takeaway, Feelers generally vote based on ‘liking’. That ‘like’ will be based on values, not a logical argument.

You can’t Think yourself into liking a piece of music, loving a mate or liking a candidate.

In future articles we will explore demographic implications. Stay tuned!