Typology is a means of identifying variable forms of psychic energy. Four functions are generally recognized: sensation, feeling, thinking, and intuition. While each is discussed as being distinct in itself, these functions are related along a continuous line, and are separated (identified) by “differentiation.” Differentiation separates one function from another, and the function itself to a further degree. In individual psychology differentiation occurs most frequently in the dominant function, and least frequently in the inferior function. Each function may be oriented inwardly of outwardly. It is the quality of being an abstract form, as energy, and “disposable” that was most important to Jung.
Optimization of psychic energy is essential to the process of Jungian analysis. Approximately half of the activity defined by functions is unconscious. In his writing on “Psychological Type” Jung often refers to three functions being “unconscious.” “Psychological Type” is also referred to as “the way of individuation,” in that it is a guide to: “making the unconscious conscious.” Furthermore, the inferior function has specific value in being unconscious. Myers Briggs Typology views the functions in a hierarchy based, each reflecting a degree of preference, without regard for any function being unconscious. The contrasting orientations of Jung and Myers Briggs derives from their application: Jung for introspection, and Myers Briggs for various forms outer adaptation and team building. Jung’s description of the types (CW VI sections 10 and 11) are surprisingly consistent with Myers Briggs descriptions, which also are characterized by refinement through a computer base of millions of applications. This Seminar aims to improve understanding of both forms through comparison and contrast with the other.
Dates and Times:
5 Wednesdays, 6:00 to 8:00 pm (please note the earlier time as the instructor is in Minnesota.)
January 13th, 20th, & 27th; February 3rd &10th
Stuart Potter is a Jungian analyst who maintains a private, analytical practice in Minneapolis. He is a member of the C. G. Jung Institut, Zurich – Kusnacht, and IAAP. His training was completed at CGJI – Zurich, Kusnacht, including a thesis on Relationships, a topic of ongoing study and writing. Stuart is an IRSJA Analyst and a member of the core faculty of the Minnesota Seminar in Jungian Studies, while serving as its Training Director and Treasurer. He has been a regular presenter in the Seminar, with special emphasis on fundamental concepts of Jungian Psychology such as Complexes, The Association Experiment, and Individuation. Stuart is a Board Member of the Minnesota Jung Association and has conducted lectures and workshops for MJA on several subjects including “Working with Dreams,” Jungian Typology, and MBTI (as an MBTI Practitioner), along with other subjects of fundamental concepts of Jungian Psychology.
In five sessions we examine:
1. The theory of MBTI, how the indicator is constructed, what is measured, and what is indicated. The approaches of Jung and Myers Briggs. Does Type change?
2. The rational and the perceptive in Jung. J versus P orientation in MBTI. The extraverted function. 16 versus 8 types. Whole type. Type and adaptation.
3. Extraversion and Introversion. Division into 2, 4, 8, or 16, and using them all. The division of 1 into 4 and the structure of Type in MBTI. The numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and the Axiom of Maria.
4.The rational types. Distinguishing Feeling and Thinking. Description of introverted and extraverted feeling and thinking. “The disposable function.” Distinguishing Feeling and Emotion. The historical development of Type.
5. The Perceptive functions. Separating sensation from Intuition. The concrete and the abstract of each function. Art, religion, two kinds of thinking, psychology, understanding others.
Fee: $150
