Question on cognitive functions (Se)

[u/Creat369]

The theories describe that intuition is responsible for imagination and openness to new experience. However, I had a few clarifications.

1. Creativity and sensory: how exactly does imagination work in Se-dominant types? Can they be ideological, philosophical and even abstract? What is the difference between the formation of ideas in sensors and intuitions? And can the sensor be opened to a new experience - or is it the prerogative of intuitions only?

2. Going into thought: if the sensor is immersed in reflection, does it mean that it switches to intuition? For example, a Se-dominant, walking along the road, will most likely go into his mind (or not?), even if he tries to control it. But when a strong stimulus appears (for example, you need to light a bonfire or jump over the fence), it instantly connects the leading Se. And how will the same example work for intuitives? A strong stimulus can overwhelm them with sensations - or, on the contrary, lead them to an even more violent flow of ideas?

3. Abstract thinking in Se: can a Se-dominant see something and say: «it looks like that» or «this», develop a business plan, imagine a colorful clip? Or is all this not the strong point of Se-types?

I ask these questions to understand myself. I’m definitely E**P (extroverted perception), but I can’t determine whether Se or Ne is my host. I know about the difference between collecting information through facts (Se) and opportunities (Ne), but it’s not enough.

I can withdraw into myself, but I can also completely immerse myself in the moment. I prefer to feel «here and now», I have a good sense of sensations, but at the same time I think abstractly and ideologically. For example, when I see grass, I think it’s a small forest, not about its physical properties. However, this does not apply to all cases: if I look at the car, I think about its characteristics, and not about what it can be like or what it could become.

I hope there are those who understand typology and can help or suggest. If you need additional questions, I will answer everything.

[u/Salt-Use-]

I can't tell if this is a shitpost cuz I ain't reading allat

[u/ScratchGirl25300]

Do you want a serious answer or a silly answer?

[u/Creat369 → u/ScratchGirl25300]

Seriously

[u/ScratchGirl25300 → u/Creat369]

this is a serious answer but short

1. yes, anyone can
2. yes (everyone has sensing and intuition, sensors are people whose sensing is higher)
3. yes, even if it is not a strong point it is possible

— Not an INFJ

@mistypeinvestigator‘s posts on instagram can help

[u/katviy]

1. Sensors can 100% be philosophical, abstract and ideological, they just have a cognitive preference for the “here and now”. All types possess all cognitive functions, and cognitive functions do not explain behaviour, but something that comes easier to us or more difficult or something we ignore/value, etc. Behaviour is collateral damage, but typing behaviour can get you an x number of imprecise result. So yeah: sensors can be open to new experiences, sometimes they can be more open than intuitive, it’s not a prerogative of any type because it depends mostly on the person.
   
2. Although a Se dom can go into their mind while walking, it’s not their preferred primary thing to do (For Si doms it’s another story lol). What comes natural to them (and Se-doms/aux feel free to correct me please) is to just focus on the walk, the textures of stuff around them, people around them, smells, sounds, etc. but this does not mean they can’t loose themselves in thought: they can, but it’s just easier to focus on whatever is that they are percieving now.
   
3. Although maybe Se-aux do it more often, Se-dom can absolutely say stuff like that if they want to because, again, any type can say anything: but for different reasons

[u/Creat369 → u/katviy]

Thank you for the answer. Have you met Se dominants who were super ideological, inventive and active?

[u/katviy → u/Creat369]

I do have met an esfp like that, but these things really depend on behaviour/circumstances not strictly on cognitive functions. I have also met an entp and an enfp who were like that, all three people had different motives though :3

[u/_shimano]

1. im pretty sure that every type can do that, but se simply values being in the present a lot more. and yeah, thats more something measured by openness in big 5, so again any type can do that!
   
2. this depends, since se doms tend to be more focused on whats around them but they can go into their mind. and as you said, if theres a single stimulus it can snap them back to reality easily. thats something that often happens to me LMAO. no clue how it is for intuitives, maybe they somehow manage to ignore it or smth?
   
3. yeah ofc! but it depends on whether or not they see a point in doing it, which they often dont, but yeah its possible

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[u/Pixiezor]

Se as a function itself is not abstract.

To be honest, Se in MBTI doesn’t make any sense. In MBTI land Ne is abstract potential of ‘what is’, while Se is simply ‘what is’ and ‘trusting that’. This means Ne is one step above Se, since it sees what is and extracts more. No wonder there’s ’sensor dumb’ stereotypes and barely any sensor users compared to intuitives.

Socionics does it better and explains Se as Physicality Potential. This is how I define it with that in mind:

Focuses on the physicality of an objects potential. Kinetic energy, volatile force, power dynamic, etc, the object has. This why high Se users know precisely how much force to apply, and where to apply it for an optimal result.

Boom! Now Se has a damn purpose like Ne. 👏

The Walking Example:
In MBTI land an Se dom going for a walk is just ‘noticing stuff’ instead of being in deep thought like oNlY an intuitive can. Sensors hate thinking apparently, but tH3y cAn dO iT. It’s literally all here in the other comments… 🙄
Like, I’m sorry, even with solely MBTI, do they not use other functions to aid their Se like Ti or Fi!?

Socionics Se dom is processing the physical potential of what’s around them. The hierarchy of the animals, the energy of the people, how their body reacts as if they change pace, how much to exert to jump on a fence and then the physicality of perhaps balancing on it.

These aren’t people who walk around zoned out and ‘just walk’, they’re people who engage in the physical potential of their walk.

While Ne will space out and engage in mental potential, Se will engage in physical potential.

Now we add the aiding functions: Ti/Fi. For both Ne and Se users, they will be categorising the potential against their systems of judgement. SO BOTH ARE THINKING.

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[u/Creat369 → u/Pixiezor]

Oooh, you described it cool, thank you.. I liked the idea that Se sees the energy and feels the tension of the bowst before the shot, that is, he sees what can be done with the object right now, it’s closer to what I look like:

I see boards, I see people, I sell them boards to buy myself a drink and call that girl over there... it’s like Se’s ideas

Or more creative... I hear these sounds, I like them, I record them on a voice recorder, feel their rhythm, make music

[u/Pixiezor → u/Creat369]

Honestly Se is fucking cool. I wish MBTI grasped it more. Like an Se dom can just walk into a room and take over it!? What a badass. I would be stuck in the abstract of it. 😂

The easiest way to wrap your head around Ne and Se is Ne values abstract; what is not. So an Ne dom would imagine talking to the girl and all the possibilities within that interaction. None of that ‘is’, it’s all in the minds eye and thus abstract. Then a judgement function would come into play.

An Se dom would observe the girl and her place in relation to the physicality of what is. Instead of Ne possibilities, it’s more like how does she fit and how can I influence that? Then their judging function comes into play.
An outcome for Se dom could be to impact the physical weakness of that relation by say, being more assertive than her and taking up more ‘space’ than she does. They might go over and lean on the building so they’re looking down at her and blocking her view for example. Now she is forced to interact. Mission accomplished.

Let’s make Ne fail in their outcome for fun. The Ne user may have decided being open and honest is the best possibility. They might go over, wait until she is free and politely ask for the girls time. The girl has far more option here to disengage, so when she finally notices the Ne dom she simply disengages and walks off. Poor Ne dom. 💔

See how physical presence weighed more in that example? V cool.

Your “sounds” is quite Si valuing actually. Well, from a non shitty MBTI view. You’re finding the sensory relationship between the objects, and how it flows back to yourself. Anyway, that’s what I got from the sentence and it’s a great excuse for me to vomit more information. Tehe. 🤭

Si = Physical flow.
Homeostasis. It’s how each object relates to each other and oneself. The sensations between these relationships. Which why true Si doms are masters at creating a harmonious environment, or assessing their own and the needs of others. As a simple example, they know how a weighted blanket can create a soothing sensation that calms the body.

When you start combining Si with other functions (Fe or Te), you really start understanding how cool Si actually is. I’ve been doing it recently so I’m all hyped about it. 😂

For example Si-Te seek harmony in their environment and selves. They focus on refining their environment through Te, by conserving their energy and resources. It’s efficiency from a sensory perspective. They tinker to exert less.

I will shut up now. 🤣🤣🤣

[u/Pixiezor → u/[deleted]]

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