The Thinking function and Human Values

 
Thinking and Human Values

Distinctions First:

Thinking and Feeling are two sharply contrasting ways of making decisions, forming judgements or arriving at conclusions. They are processes by which we judge, decide and conclude things. This can be difficult to grasp, for part of the problem is Jung’s choice of words. Thinking to most of us suggests reasoning; feeling suggests emotions.

Jung meant something quite different. He recognized that human beings have the capacity to make decisions based on reason. He believed that he could identify two quite dissimilar reasoning processes. One—thinking—is based on logic. Thinking makes every attempt to look at things objectively and impersonally. It tries to keep personal bias or values out of the process. It is a process which leads to a conclusion to which this sentence can be added: “That’s what logic says. It doesn’t matter whether I like it or not.”

We use a thinking process when we:

• compare a set of financial statements against standards established by the auditing profession to determine if the standards were met
• check a consumer research magazine to identify which is the best product and buy it
• establish a criteria for grading work, apply the criteria and give the assessment
• establish what work needs to be finished to justify a vacation and then taking it only if the work is done
• decide whether to buy a camera by weighing the costs against how much use it will get

 
The common thread in each of the above examples is that once the standards or criteria are set, the process of weighing things against those standards leaves out any personal responses or values.

Coda:
People who prefer to use thinking in decision making like to look at the logical consequences of a choice or action. They want to mentally remove themselves from the situation to examine the pros and cons objectively. They are energised by critiquing and analyzing to identify what’s wrong with something so they can solve the problem. Their goal is to find a standard or principle that will apply in all similar situations.

Characteristics associated with people who prefer Thinking:

• Analytical
• Use cause-and-effect reasoning
• Solve problems with logic
• Strive for an objective standard of truth
• Reasonable
• Can be “tough minded”
• Fair—want everyone treated equally

Thinking and Human Values

People who prefer thinking to feeling work hard to look at things objectively and impersonally. As a result, they become very good at following the content of any decision or discussion. On the other hand, they do not have equal skills at seeing the feeling, or personal issues. They are often unaware of their own or other’s personal reactions. As a result, they can be unaware of how their words or behaviour are affecting others. They can be unaware of the emotional state motivating the words or behaviour of others.

Thinking types strive to be fair and impartial. They can appear emotionless in matters of care, affection and nurturance. The principles behind their actions reveal their affection, their commitment, their sacrifices. A thinking type can work 9 to 5, and give all their pay to their partner for the care of the children, the home. This sort of thing is a silent demonstration of the power and commitment they can give, in the name of love.

Thinking types value honesty and integrity in their actions. They are sincere, and want to be fair when they apply reason and standards to people. They have a strong focus, good discrimination and can use creativity in solutions. Dutiful, self reliant and responsible, they can be relied upon to supply solutions to complex matters. They exhibit concentration, self-respect equality and concern for all life in their thinking.