I noticed there isn't actually a introduction thread sticked on this forum, so I'm making this thread to introduce people to the Socionics theory. I will go from the most simple facts about the socionics theory - what the types are, what the functions are, and so on. If you're familiar with all the types, scroll further to understand the theory in more detail and how it works. Feel free to ask questions, or add anything if you're already familiar with the socionics theory if you think it's helpful.
Summary of Socionics:
First you need to know what the types are in socionics, if you don't already. The types are also sorted into Quadras (The quadra's a simply the types that are more likely to share the same values and worldviews, and are known to be most compatible with each other in relationships. Each type has a specific type of relationship with all the other types. The most compatible is their dual)
Alpha Quadra (values Si blocked with Fe, Ne blocked with Ti)
ILE /ENTp - Intuitive logical extrovert
LII /INTj - Logical intuitive introvert
SEI /ISFp - Sensory ethical introvert
ESE / ESFj - Ethical sensory extrovert
Beta Quadra (values Ni blocked with Fe, Se blocked with Ti)
SLE /ESTp - Sensory Logical extrovert
LSI /ISTj - Logical sensory introvert
IEI /INFp - Intuitive ethical introvert
EIE /ENFj - Ethical intuitive extrovert
Gamma Quadra (values Ni blocked with Te, Se blocked with Fi)
LIE / ENTj - Logical intuitive extrovert
ILI / INTp - Intuitive logical introvert
ESI /ISFj - Ethical sensory introvert
SEE /ESFp - Sensory ethical extrovert
Delta Quadra (values Si blocked with Te, Ne blocked with Fi)
LSE / ESTj - Logical sensory extrovert
SLI / ISTp - Sensory logical introvert
EII / INFj - Ethical intuitive introvert
IEE / ENFp - Intuitive ethical extrovert
Socionics and other typology theories
As a personality type theory socionics is much more dynamic than MBTI and the harold grant stack, as a socionics type can use all the information elements (IEs) and can operate in each of these blocks, which are basically the function pairs (e.g Si-Te, Ni-Te). Each type will use these blocks very differently, not only because of how they are paired but because the position of the function. For example, an ENTp has Ne leading, but an ISTp also uses Ne, but in a very different fashion and cannot process information related to Ne to the ability that the ENTp can. They require more practice and assistance to use their Ne to the same ability as the ENTp.
MBTI tests are often used to identify cognitive types. If you score INTP, then you're dominant function must be Ti, and your auxiliary must be Ne. This gives you the idea that if you score on certain letters based on the answers you choose, then you must have strong Ti and Ne. This is not quite how it works in socionics. In socionics just because you are using a function, that doesn't automatically place it as your leading and creative function in socionics. If you type as an Intuitive in MBTI, it's still highly possible that it's only a weaker function and not the leading function. So if we use all the functions, how do determine which function you are using and how exactly to do each of them work? This is where the blocks come in, which consist of two information elements paired with one another.
The Information Elements
Te
: (Also known as black logic, extroverted logic, algorithmic logic, business logic and practical logic): mechanism, work, practice,"logic of actions", utilitarianism, expediency, physical properties of objects.
Ti :L: (white logic, structural logic, introverted logic): structure, system, consistency, accordance, sequencing, commensurability, order, or the lack of thereof.
Fe :e: (black ethics, extroverted ethics, emotions, emotive ethics): emotional atmosphere, emotional expression and communication, cooperation, treatment, qualitative judgement of behaviour, ethical estimations of observable actions, "ethics of actions"
Fi :r: (white ethics, introverted ethics, relationships, relational ethics): resonance or dissonance of personal sentiments, positive and negative emotional space
Se :f: (black sensing, extroverted sensing, will, volitional sensing): sensing of immediate static qualities of objects, sensing of immediate reality, external appearance, texture, form, static objects, impact, direct physical effect, span, extent, force, volition.
Si :s: (white sensing, introverted sensing, comfort) homeostasis, bodily sensations, aesthetics.
Ni :t: (white intuition, introverted intuition, events, temporal intuition): Sense of when things might happen, patterns of events, abstract representations of processes, sense of time.
Ne :i: (black intuition, extroverted intuition, possibilities). Potential, essence, opening up new "windows" and bringing up new possibilities in conversation, seeing opportunities.
Blocks of Socionics
This table is a model for ILE (ENTp), originally made in this thread.
The blocks are known as Ego, Super Ego, Super id, and Id.. (If you learned the enneagram theory, please keep in mind these terms have very different meaning from the enneagram definitions of "Ego" and "Super-Ego") I will describe the blocks in order of their development in the psyche. It will helpful hopefully to use the table above for reference
Id Block "I can" "Others are not needed": The Id block is part of the vital superblock, which is the block of individual life activity. When using the information elements in these blocks, it is usually when you are by yourself rather than when interacting with other individuals in your society. The functions of the id block are developed and filled during childhood, and the individual can use the IEs of this block very well and become so familiar with using these functions that using them is almost automatic. However, when you use the IEs with other individuals who aren't familiar to you, people who have unique thinking styles to yourself, you are less capable of using the IE, because you've grown used to using it for yourself personally. Because it's developed during childhood, an age when you have little interest and awareness of society and how they use those elements. You have little regard for people in society, therefore don't have that understand and processing of the element. For the ILE (ENTp) they will use Te and Ni very well for their own purposes and activity, but will be less capable of using Te and Ni in the people in their society.
Super Id Block "I want" "I need others": Super id is also part of the vital superblock. The difference is these functions are weak and the individual wants and values the input of this type of information from others. Any type of input regarding these functions will give you a feeling of enjoyment, and we admire others who have a strength with using these functions. Generally there is a desire to receive this type of information from others. For the ILE this will be Si and Ne. This is why socionics types have duals. The dual of ILE is SEI, an Si leading type.
Super Ego Block, "I must": This block is part of the mental superblock, which is the block of social life activity. This means that your activity must correlate with that of other people, and is also known as the block of "social conformism". This block is different from the id blocks as you use and think about these functions on behalf of others in your society, not just yourself. However, the super ego functions aren't valued by the individual, and the ability to use these functions is poor. It is not a strength that comes naturally to you. The Super id functions are also weak but the difference is you don't value input regarding your Super Ego functions. They are functions you have to use to live and work in your community. The Super Ego functions a weak and unvalued. Using these functions can be draining, as you can only use them for a certain amount of time before feeling tired. The functions of this block are filled as a young person, when you realise that you have to provide and work in society in order to develop as a person. The individual is aware that they are weak in this area and it can cause discomfort when trying to conform to the standards in society. For the ILE these elements are Fi and Se.
Ego Block, "Others need me": The Ego block is also part of the mental superblock and the final block to develop. The activity of these functions are socially directed. These functions are strong and valued. The individual has a strong ability to use these functions when interacting with others. We do not feel tired after prolonged use of these functions. This block brings a person a sense of importance and can offer others something of value, as the Ego functions are strong and type is skilled at using them. However, for them to develop the type must first use their super ego functions. The block is usually fully developed in the mid to late twenties, according to socionics theory. It also aligns with Jung's commentary; “The first half of [a person's] life is devoted to forming a healthy ego, the second half is going inward and letting go of it.”
Summary of Socionics:
- Socionics is a theory about the ability to process different kinds of information
- There are 16 types known as the socionics TIMs (type of information metabolism)
- Each socionics TIM has eight functions numbered from 1-8. The function refers to the positions of each Information element. Socionics presents these functions through a system known as model A
- In socionics, the information elements are divided into four different categories: Intuition, Sensing, Logic, and Ethics.
- The information elements have similar terminology to the cognitive functions when presented as symbols - Te/Ti, Fe/Fi, Si/Se and Ni/Ne. This is because both typologies have the same origin theory which is of course C.Jung. However, in socionics there are many different names for the socionics IEs.
First you need to know what the types are in socionics, if you don't already. The types are also sorted into Quadras (The quadra's a simply the types that are more likely to share the same values and worldviews, and are known to be most compatible with each other in relationships. Each type has a specific type of relationship with all the other types. The most compatible is their dual)
Alpha Quadra (values Si blocked with Fe, Ne blocked with Ti)
ILE /ENTp - Intuitive logical extrovert
LII /INTj - Logical intuitive introvert
SEI /ISFp - Sensory ethical introvert
ESE / ESFj - Ethical sensory extrovert
Beta Quadra (values Ni blocked with Fe, Se blocked with Ti)
SLE /ESTp - Sensory Logical extrovert
LSI /ISTj - Logical sensory introvert
IEI /INFp - Intuitive ethical introvert
EIE /ENFj - Ethical intuitive extrovert
Gamma Quadra (values Ni blocked with Te, Se blocked with Fi)
LIE / ENTj - Logical intuitive extrovert
ILI / INTp - Intuitive logical introvert
ESI /ISFj - Ethical sensory introvert
SEE /ESFp - Sensory ethical extrovert
Delta Quadra (values Si blocked with Te, Ne blocked with Fi)
LSE / ESTj - Logical sensory extrovert
SLI / ISTp - Sensory logical introvert
EII / INFj - Ethical intuitive introvert
IEE / ENFp - Intuitive ethical extrovert
Socionics and other typology theories
As a personality type theory socionics is much more dynamic than MBTI and the harold grant stack, as a socionics type can use all the information elements (IEs) and can operate in each of these blocks, which are basically the function pairs (e.g Si-Te, Ni-Te). Each type will use these blocks very differently, not only because of how they are paired but because the position of the function. For example, an ENTp has Ne leading, but an ISTp also uses Ne, but in a very different fashion and cannot process information related to Ne to the ability that the ENTp can. They require more practice and assistance to use their Ne to the same ability as the ENTp.
MBTI tests are often used to identify cognitive types. If you score INTP, then you're dominant function must be Ti, and your auxiliary must be Ne. This gives you the idea that if you score on certain letters based on the answers you choose, then you must have strong Ti and Ne. This is not quite how it works in socionics. In socionics just because you are using a function, that doesn't automatically place it as your leading and creative function in socionics. If you type as an Intuitive in MBTI, it's still highly possible that it's only a weaker function and not the leading function. So if we use all the functions, how do determine which function you are using and how exactly to do each of them work? This is where the blocks come in, which consist of two information elements paired with one another.
The Information Elements
Te
Ti :L: (white logic, structural logic, introverted logic): structure, system, consistency, accordance, sequencing, commensurability, order, or the lack of thereof.
Fe :e: (black ethics, extroverted ethics, emotions, emotive ethics): emotional atmosphere, emotional expression and communication, cooperation, treatment, qualitative judgement of behaviour, ethical estimations of observable actions, "ethics of actions"
Fi :r: (white ethics, introverted ethics, relationships, relational ethics): resonance or dissonance of personal sentiments, positive and negative emotional space
Se :f: (black sensing, extroverted sensing, will, volitional sensing): sensing of immediate static qualities of objects, sensing of immediate reality, external appearance, texture, form, static objects, impact, direct physical effect, span, extent, force, volition.
Si :s: (white sensing, introverted sensing, comfort) homeostasis, bodily sensations, aesthetics.
Ni :t: (white intuition, introverted intuition, events, temporal intuition): Sense of when things might happen, patterns of events, abstract representations of processes, sense of time.
Ne :i: (black intuition, extroverted intuition, possibilities). Potential, essence, opening up new "windows" and bringing up new possibilities in conversation, seeing opportunities.
Blocks of Socionics
Ego | 1. Ne (4D) | Leading – The main program. Our actions and motivations are dictated by this function with it being responsible for our temperament. | 2. Ti (3D) | Creative – The helping function that works flexibly in order to serve the demands of the Leading function, helping them to be accomplished well. |
Super-Ego | 4. Fi (1D) | Vulnerable – The source of pain and frustration. We are unable to satisfy the demands of others on this function and loathe criticism in this area. | 3. Se (2D) | Role – The act we have to put on to satisfy worldly demands. We do not enjoy this and can only keep it up so long before tiring. |
Super-Id | 6. Fe (2D) | Mobilising – The area we wish to improve ourselves in. We are drawn to acting on these areas but without some help can sometimes slip up. | 5. Si (1D) | Suggestive – The source of enjoyment and growth. We crave stimulation and help in this function from others but are incapable of satisfaction in it alone. |
Id | 7. Ni (3D) | Ignoring – The opposite approach to our leading function. It is rejected by us and seen as unimportant. We can easily use this when needed however. | 8. Te (4D) | Demonstrative – As strong as our Leading function, this is demonstrated in our behaviour almost as a mockery, abused for purposes outside itself. |
This table is a model for ILE (ENTp), originally made in this thread.
The blocks are known as Ego, Super Ego, Super id, and Id.. (If you learned the enneagram theory, please keep in mind these terms have very different meaning from the enneagram definitions of "Ego" and "Super-Ego") I will describe the blocks in order of their development in the psyche. It will helpful hopefully to use the table above for reference
Id Block "I can" "Others are not needed": The Id block is part of the vital superblock, which is the block of individual life activity. When using the information elements in these blocks, it is usually when you are by yourself rather than when interacting with other individuals in your society. The functions of the id block are developed and filled during childhood, and the individual can use the IEs of this block very well and become so familiar with using these functions that using them is almost automatic. However, when you use the IEs with other individuals who aren't familiar to you, people who have unique thinking styles to yourself, you are less capable of using the IE, because you've grown used to using it for yourself personally. Because it's developed during childhood, an age when you have little interest and awareness of society and how they use those elements. You have little regard for people in society, therefore don't have that understand and processing of the element. For the ILE (ENTp) they will use Te and Ni very well for their own purposes and activity, but will be less capable of using Te and Ni in the people in their society.
Super Id Block "I want" "I need others": Super id is also part of the vital superblock. The difference is these functions are weak and the individual wants and values the input of this type of information from others. Any type of input regarding these functions will give you a feeling of enjoyment, and we admire others who have a strength with using these functions. Generally there is a desire to receive this type of information from others. For the ILE this will be Si and Ne. This is why socionics types have duals. The dual of ILE is SEI, an Si leading type.
Super Ego Block, "I must": This block is part of the mental superblock, which is the block of social life activity. This means that your activity must correlate with that of other people, and is also known as the block of "social conformism". This block is different from the id blocks as you use and think about these functions on behalf of others in your society, not just yourself. However, the super ego functions aren't valued by the individual, and the ability to use these functions is poor. It is not a strength that comes naturally to you. The Super id functions are also weak but the difference is you don't value input regarding your Super Ego functions. They are functions you have to use to live and work in your community. The Super Ego functions a weak and unvalued. Using these functions can be draining, as you can only use them for a certain amount of time before feeling tired. The functions of this block are filled as a young person, when you realise that you have to provide and work in society in order to develop as a person. The individual is aware that they are weak in this area and it can cause discomfort when trying to conform to the standards in society. For the ILE these elements are Fi and Se.
Ego Block, "Others need me": The Ego block is also part of the mental superblock and the final block to develop. The activity of these functions are socially directed. These functions are strong and valued. The individual has a strong ability to use these functions when interacting with others. We do not feel tired after prolonged use of these functions. This block brings a person a sense of importance and can offer others something of value, as the Ego functions are strong and type is skilled at using them. However, for them to develop the type must first use their super ego functions. The block is usually fully developed in the mid to late twenties, according to socionics theory. It also aligns with Jung's commentary; “The first half of [a person's] life is devoted to forming a healthy ego, the second half is going inward and letting go of it.”