Subtype Annotation Discussion
Feb 24, 2018 20:37:58 GMT -5 by Auburn
teatime, Hrafn, and 1 more like this
Post by Auburn on Feb 24, 2018 20:37:58 GMT -5
i've been meaning to articulate this but i think a clear line should be drawn between the definition of conscious and unconscious. especially if we're gonna make annotations now.
Preliminary: cognitivetype.com/2018/01/29/classification/#ego-fixation
In the psychoanalytical sense, a differentiation is made between function development and ego-fixation. Ego-fixation designates where a personβs self-identity lies at a given time, but not necessarily where they are most functionally competent. For example, a TiNe may feel deeply called by Aler (Fe) into a sort of heroic fetishism while still lacking all the ability to manifest, apply or champion Fe as a person with conscious Fe would. In this case Aler is ego-fixed but still unconscious, and this is the essential definition of fetishism or of a muse/anima projection.
When a person is fascinated by a lower function which they do not yet actively possess in consciousness, it is a sign of a call from the unconscious to develop that function. The path to develop this lower function involves a convergence of polarities, but will lead to greater integration. As our TiNe example continues to focus on his relationship to Aler, eventually it will be brought into consciousness and what began as fetishism now manifests as genuine capacity. He will begin to not only value the feminine energy in art, poetry and myth β but will manifest it himself in his deeds and words. Here, the ego finally comes to match development.
When a person is fascinated by a lower function which they do not yet actively possess in consciousness, it is a sign of a call from the unconscious to develop that function. The path to develop this lower function involves a convergence of polarities, but will lead to greater integration. As our TiNe example continues to focus on his relationship to Aler, eventually it will be brought into consciousness and what began as fetishism now manifests as genuine capacity. He will begin to not only value the feminine energy in art, poetry and myth β but will manifest it himself in his deeds and words. Here, the ego finally comes to match development.
Conscious vs Unconscious Functions
Consciousness is here defined when a function manifests openly in:
1. Vultology: As a majority of the corresponding signals listed in the vultology code.
2. Behaviors: As a majority of the behaviors listed in the function pages. (in the works)
3. Autonomy: Of its own accord, with its own agenda and not as a supplement to another function
In this sense, consciousness of a function is not a matter of personal opinion. For example, if a TiNe feels they may have conscious Fe but do not manifest the practical abilities of social bubble building, relationships upkeep, shepherding, coordination, etc -- then the function is still unconscious. It has not yet manifested in competence. It's also not enough if the TiNe can "use Fe" in limited settings such as in a small social group of 3-4 friends. A fully conscious Fe function would manifest abilities such as public speaking (preaching), event organizer, group leader, advocacy, etc. If it's conscious but dark in its orientation, then it would nonetheless manifest in open political criticisms, public debate, self-assertion and so forth... even if it is not good at group harmonization.
But if the aforementioned TiNe lacks those outer qualities but feels very much like they relate to their Feeling dimension, and have a sensitive inner experience that they share with select few or in poetry/writing, this is a fetishized Fe function and is a call of the muse/anima/animus into consciousness. If continual attention is directed towards it, over time the aforementioned qualities will manifest.
Unconsciousness of a function can manifest as either a repulsion (repression) or as fetishism. In the case of repression, the behavioral traits in the function pages will be a bit nauseating and be wholly divorced from the ego. For such a function, it will still be used in the psyche but as supplemental to the conscious function's agendas. For example if we take an NiFe and they believe they have conscious Se, but they cannot "flow" with the grime and edginess of Se, its not yet conscious. The NiFe with conscious Se is not only an NiFe with an appreciation for photography or art, or a keen aesthetic interest, they are an NiFe who is into roughhousing, jesting, physical sports/exercise, and actually 'goes' and 'does' things in the world on a regular basis. Extroverted processes in particular are not conscious unless they are capable of manifesting in the exterior. Bringing a function into consciousness is no picnic, and there's often a painful growth process to get to that point. Hand-eye coordination may need to be developed, a somatic connection and a harmonization of mind and body may need to develop before Se becomes accessible on its own.
Autonomy: And that's the final criteria; autonomy. What this means is the NiFe with conscious Se will feel like going out to play/skate/surf spontaneously and because his own Pe process wishes it. The TiNe with developed Fe will suddenly feel like putting on a social gathering because something in them wants to nurture that emotional space. There is no other justification for it. When a function does not have autonomy, then Se only helps Ni in its theories and mystical pursuits... or Fe is only used to maintain positive relations with those we have an obligation to coexist with. Or perhaps Fe is used to give structure and writing to Ti ideas, but it does not guide the creation of group harmony or ethics.
In Summary:
To summarize: I believe this distinction above can help us not turn this additional annotation nuance into a matter of subjectivity and stray away from the objectivity that CT aims for in all its endeavors. Conscious functions will show themselves in signals, which is one form of confirmation. They'll also show in behaviors in the form of practical competence, and will manifest autonomy. Let me know what you guys think of this distinction - and if it properly addresses the concerns.