We have examined data gathering and perception via the senses, i.e., the sensing function. There is another way people gather data, which is from their intuition, an interior fact gathering function that draws together perception in a globalised manner. Let us explore intuition as a form of perception that presents data for decision making.
People who prefer intuition like to take in information by seeing the big picture, focussing on relationships and connections between facts. They want to graps patterns and are especially attuned to seeing new possibilities
Intuition goes beyond what is real or concrete. Intuition is what we use when we focus on meaning, possibilities and relationships. Intuition wants to know what the facts mean. Intuition seeks patterns or relationships in sensing details. Intiution wants to identify possibilities in the specifics. If sensing collects information, intuition generates it. Intuition generalises. It identifies context and creates abstractions.
We use intuition when
- we look for meaning in what someone says or does
- identify possible benefits or risks in a course of action
- generate a new way to handle a problem
- guess the solution to a mystery
- identify a pattern in someone’s behaviour
Intuitive types live in a very different perceptual world. The natural pull for them is to move beyond the specifics to the world of context, generalisation and abstraction. They want to identify the meaning in things. They are drawn to what is possible. They are more likely to be interested in sensing details when they support an exciting insight. Being forced directly with facts is difficult and draining for intuitive types.
Characteristics of people who prefer Intuition:
- Oriented to future possibilities
- Imaginative and verbally creative
- Focus on patterns and meaning in data
- Remember specifics when they relate to a pattern
- Move quickly to conclusions, follow hunches
- Want to clarify ideas and theories before putting them into practice
- Trust inspiration
Intuition and Human Values
People who use intuition are impatient with concrete details, ignore the facts and instead, have a global awareness of matters; this is non-violence, even though they may ride roughshod over the details. They are imaginative and express initiative from their imagination, for the benefit of all. This is a form of right action. So the general and the abstract are expressed when speaking, writing or listening. This form of resourcefulness (yes, it is resourceful when the matter is expressed in a general point of view) and so an activity of right action.
Seeing the big picture comes naturally to people who prefer intuition. They have imaginative solutions, and express a greater understanding, which is Truth in action. Abstraction and theory are activities of the value of Truth. Right thinking, right vision, right use of imagination all express right action. Where intuition operates with satisfaction, greater meaning and the general point of view, this is Peace in action. The human value of Love is shown when intuition looks beyond the behaviour to the needs of the person, their motivation, and a general appreciation of their state. Love is expressed as compassion, insight, human understanding. The value of Non-violence is expressed in concern, respect and tolerance.
| Human Value | Illustrated by |
|---|---|
| Truth | Theory, abstraction |
| Love | Appreciation, Compassion, understands needs, Insight |
| Non-Violence | Tolerance, Concern, Respect |
| Right Action | Right Vision, Right Thinking, Right Imagination |
| Peace | Satisfaction, General POV, the greater meaning |
This page is © Rev. Chris Parnell, who learned about type in 1975; completed a workshop with Isabel Briggs Myers in 1980 and is a member of the Australian Association for Psychological Type. He completed a Diploma in Human Values in 2004. ✺ All Rights Reserved.