The 8 Cognitive Functions Explained

The 16 personality types based on Carl Jung’s psychological types are composed of 8 cognitive functions combined in a specific order. The functions themselves are formed from only 4 poles, sensing (S), intuition (N), thinking (T), and feeling (F). Combining them with one of the two attitudes (extraversion (E) or introversion (I)), you get 8 total variations.

Each function is meant to represent a particular lens or filter through which we interpret the world around us and also make decisions. Here is a breakdown of the differences between the introverted and extraverted forms of each cognitive function and how to tell them apart.

The difference between Ne and Ni (Extraverted Intuition vs. Introverted Intuition):

These two perceiving functions, Ne and Ni, both represent a style of perception that favors abstraction over the literal. However, there are key distinctions.

Observation through Introverted Intuition looks for the connections, meanings, implications and potential outcomes behind what it observes. It gives less attention to physical details and is less aware of its surroundings in general.

Because its focus is on reading between the lines or looking ahead to the future, it renders itself somewhat disengaged and detached from the present moment.

Extraverted Intuition by contrast is more interactive with the world around it, using it as fodder for its own machinations.

Ne is less interested in trying to read beneath the surface, predict outcomes or interpret meanings. Rather, it draws inspiration from what it observes and reacts in creative ways.

It looks for opportunities to use ingenuity, apply imagination, and explore new ideas. While Ni is busy trying to decode the world, Ne is harvesting metaphorical gems from it.

Put simply, Ni is intuition looking for potential outcomes, while Ne looks for generative possibilities.

The difference between Si and Se (Introverted Sensing vs. Extraverted Sensing):

These two perceiving functions, Si and Se, both represent a style of perception that favors sensory experience over abstraction. Sensing encompasses common sense, pragmatism, tangible reality, and concrete details rather than the metaphysics, metaphors, symbolisms, concepts and hypotheticals associated with Intuition.

Of course, Si and Se have patent differences.

Observation through Introverted Sensing draws upon internal impressions of the past, comparing what it observes to what it has already experienced. It operates like a deep and detailed memory bank, referencing a rich inner archive to evaluate the present.

Because it relies on this internal database, Si is often more focused on consistency, stability, and how current experiences align—or conflict—with what is already known. It is cautious, thorough, and tends to notice subtle changes or deviations from the familiar.

Extraverted Sensing by contrast is fully immersed in the present moment, attuned to the external environment with immediacy and responsiveness.

Se is less interested in how the present compares to the past, and more captivated by the raw, unfiltered experience of what is happening right now. It seeks stimulation, novelty, and direct engagement with the physical world.

Where Si quietly scans for patterns based on prior impressions, Se dives headfirst into the moment, adapting fluidly to what’s unfolding in real time. Put simply, Si is sensing looking for internal consistency, while Se looks for immediate impact.

The difference between Ti and Te (Introverted Thinking vs. Extraverted Thinking):

These two judging functions, Ti and Te, both rely on logic, reason, and objective principles.

The common theme with thinking functions is objectivity and order; whether internal or external. Thinking deals with the impersonal and the technical. It is about decisions through measured analysis and rational thought processes. But here’s how Ti and Te thinking differs.

Judgment through Introverted Thinking is focused on internal consistency. It asks, “Does this make sense to me?” Ti builds and refines personalized frameworks of logic, often independent of external standards. It seeks precision, clarity, and coherence within its own mental models.

Because its attention is turned inward, Ti may appear slow to act, preferring to deeply analyze and scrutinize ideas before reaching a conclusion. It values accuracy over efficiency, and will often revise its reasoning until it feels the structure is sound.

Extraverted Thinking by contrast is more focused on external systems, results, and effectiveness. It asks, “Does this work in the real world?” Te seeks to organize and structure the environment, using proven methods, rules, and data to get things done.

Te is outcome-oriented, preferring strategies that are practical, measurable, and productive. It acts swiftly, optimizing for efficiency and functionality—even if that means compromising on nuance or complexity. Where Ti quietly tinkers with the engine, Te is out building the machine.

Simply put, Ti is thinking that seeks inner precision, while Te seeks outer effectiveness.

The difference between Fi and Fe (Introverted Feeling vs. Extraverted Feeling):

These two judging functions, Fi and Fe, both rely on values, emotion, and a concern for human impact. In contrast to thinking functions, feeling functions give more attention to things like morality, community, relationships, wellbeing and justice.

However, here is where Fi and Fe differ.

Judgment through Introverted Feeling is focused on internal alignment. It asks, “Is this true to who I am?” Fi evaluates situations based on a deeply personal sense of right and wrong, often independent of social expectations. It seeks authenticity, emotional integrity, and moral consistency.

Because it is inwardly attuned, Fi can appear reserved or hard to read, but it experiences emotions with profound intensity. It doesn’t seek to broadcast feelings, but rather to honor them privately and act in ways that reflect its core convictions.

Extraverted Feeling by contrast is externally oriented, focused on harmony, empathy, and social dynamics. It asks, “How is everyone feeling, and what’s needed to maintain connection?” Fe navigates emotional realities by reading the room, adapting to others, and responding with warmth and tact.

Fe strives to meet the emotional needs of the group, and will often adjust its behavior to preserve cohesion. It values shared understanding and tends to externalize emotions, expressing care in visible and collaborative ways. Where Fi protects the flame of inner truth, Fe tends to the fire of shared emotional well-being.

Put simply, Fi is feeling guided by internal values, while Fe is guided by relational harmony.

Cognitive Function Comparison Chart

Function Pair	Introverted (Inward Focus)	Extraverted (Outward Focus)
Intuition	Ni – Looks for hidden meanings, connections, and future outcomes. Internally synthesizes insights and hunches.	Ne – Sees multiple possibilities and creative patterns in the external world. Generates ideas through interaction.
Sensing	Si – References past experiences to evaluate the present. Looks for consistency and subtle changes.	Se – Immerses in the present moment. Responds to the environment with immediacy and sensory awareness.
Thinking	Ti – Analyzes for internal logical consistency. Seeks precision, clarity, and coherence in reasoning.	Te – Applies logic to the outer world. Seeks efficiency, productivity, and measurable results.
Feeling	Fi – Aligns actions with personal values. Values authenticity and emotional integrity.	Fe – Tunes into the emotions of others. Strives for harmony, connection, and social cohesion.

♣ END.

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Jetta Moon

Jetta Moon is an artist, writer and astrology blogger. This site gives him an excuse to explore, learn and write about the world of psychology, astrology and various personality type systems.

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