Four-Part Review Method

Method based on jungian cognitive functions

I use a 4-part review method based on the cognitive functions of Jungian personality typology (which you might be familiar with from the MBTI test). Carl Jung described eight cognitive functions: the Introverted and Extraverted versions of Sensing, Feeling, Intuition, and Thinking. These represent distinct ways of approaching reality, with Sensing and Intuition understood as forms of perception, Feeling and Thinking understood as modes of evaluating (“judging”) what has been perceived.

My reviews are, accordingly, divided into sections which successively consider observations, emotions, intuitive impressions, and rational analysis. There is a bit of overlap between my exercise of cognitive functions within these sections, but the emphasis within each section should be clear.

Why? Because Society Is Out Of Balance

I do it this way to develop a balanced perspective. We are in a historical period of our culture which has over-emphasized a certain combination of the Sensing and Thinking functions (the “scientific method”) and, on a societal level, tried to delegitimize and repress Feeling and Intuition as ways of knowing.

As one would expect when something is repressed, Feeling and Intuition have nonetheless continued to be expressed, but in a “dark”/“shadow” form. And a counterculture has also developed which overemphasizes Feeling and Intuition while neglecting rationality and physical observations.

Recognizing and Integrating The Cognitive Functions

So, my four-part method is designed not to elevate inappropriately any particular way of approaching reality above the others. Each is seen to have its place. Integration of the whole person is practiced.

Also, identifying each cognitive approach as distinct from the others can resolve certain kinds of confusion. For example, it might lead to the recognition that one component of a claim is a direct physical observation which is simple and uncontroversial. But a conclusion drawn from logical analysis of that physical observation may be much more tenuous. Or, you might become aware that what seemed like a rational argument is really more of an intuitively held narrative about life and your relationship with it.

I believe practicing a greater awareness of when and how we are using each of the cognitive functions, and striving to balance and integrate our use of them could help resolve a lot of misunderstandings and conflicts, in the world, in relationships, and within ourselves.