Wheel IM model
picture of the model:
wheel_IM_model.png
Overview & Basic Premises
The Wheel model of IM defines one overarching, circular data flow where information passes between the subject & object, & places all 8 functions at fixed positions within this flow, where they all actively participate. To create this model we start with a circular data flow, the underlying idea of the IM in model A. Initially it's in an undivided state, represented by a ring. Then we progressively divide the flow up into IM elements. You can see these divisions physically represented by the dividing lines in the image. Each point where the dividing line makes a cut through the circle (the flow) is a discrete data structure. The space between one point and the next is called a phase. Functions are an example of a phase. A phase has a data structure as an input, and a different data structure as its output state - data transforms as it passes through the phase. IM is all about state transitions, where state is an arbitrary configuration of information.
Dividing up the data flow is done in steps, and results in a data-structure hierarchy, and also a hierarchy of phases. For example, drawing a line through the circle once produces 2 points / 2 phases. Cutting it a second time results in 4 points / 4 phases, cut it a third and fourth time and we have 8 points / 8 phases, etc.. This would have created 2 top-level phases to start with, followed by 4 mid-level phases (children of the 2 top-level phases), followed by 8 bottom-level phases (which correspond with the 8 functions), etc.. A function is a phase in this model. Phases (and functions) have fixed positions within the flow relative to one another. This is because a phases definition is derived from its physical position in relation to other elements in the flow. The flow is circular and consistent - information always flows in one direction.
There are more nuanced aspects of the model. A person can be mentally fixated on, or favor, a particular point in the flow. This is akin to having a particular view of the world, and is what we'd call a persons type. There is also an idea of strong or weak phases related to the angles between points in the flow.
The flow can be divided up into any arbitrary number of data structures, and assuming that they have a well-defined hierarchical relationships this model accommodates an endless number of alternative theories, bringing them together in one model (something no other socionics model can do...).
The nice thing about this model is it establishes a framework inwhich every phase or data structure has a clearly defined relationship with every other. For example, this enables us to give a function a full definition that is clear and consistent.
This post will be updated with information pertaining to this model, explaining its basic premises, describing the phases and data structures on a more mechanical level, defining what a type actually is, covering aspects, the possibility of multiple types and multiple independent data flows, and other things
metaphysics and the need for a transcendental form
The goal of designing a generic model like socionics is to create a structure that is malleable such that it can accommodate any kind of content. Socionics is fundamentally interested in the form of thought. There are other similar models in different fields - grand theories of physics, language, etc..
To achieve this the model needs to be based on sound metaphysics.
Refining such a model is a process of abstraction. We want to be able to model a state of utmost potential, but one which is devoid of content.
Arbitrary assumptions inherent in a model make it inflexible and limit what can be modeled. But arbitrary assumptions are inevitably undermined through the reasoning / abstracting process, and through this process a general model can be refined.
This state of utmost potential we seek can only be modeled in a transcendental form. The transcendental form is what you arrive at after all content has been abstracted away, all structure has been dissolved and you're left with something totally formless, but with infinite potential.
A model based on anything less is just inevitably undermined through the reasoning / abstracting process.
The transcendental form is hard to define since it transcends and permeates all the data structures; and likewise it is parent to and unifies all phases. There are no distinctions by which to easily define it, but it is characterized by this undoing of distinctions, and its ability to glue things together. It is through the transcendental form that a data structure (or a phase) is related with every other structure or phase. The data structures / phases are ultimately defined by their relationships with other data structures / phases and what they combine to produce on the whole. The transcendental form also contains unlimited potential for differentiation. We can't ignore the transcendental form, because it is the only reasonable starting point, without it there would be nothing through which to unite and relate the elements of our model and we couldn't properly define the elements. There actually couldn't be a circular flow without it, because nothing would persist between transformations. If changes in the data structure aren't reversible, because nothing persists between them, no circular flow is possible.
This transcendental form can be modeled by a single orbital self-referential point. This is what the symbol of the ouroboros is supposed to represent. This is the undivided data flow. This is the basis of sound metaphysics, it is where a breakdown of our model begins. You can consider the Wheel IM to be a model based on monism, in contrast with the dualism of model A.
The transcendental form is ultimately tautological, in that every structure it can contain is arbitrarily related to every other structure in a coherent manner. For example, any structure presumes the existence of an opposite structure. Note that tautology is not just arbitrary, because it also implies coherence, and directionality. Tautology logically proves that a thing is true and correct. Directionality includes the idea of time and change, remember that a phase (and a function) has a distinct input and output state, so inherent to a function is the idea of time and change in state. As the transcendental form is divided up, this coherence is reflected in the hierarchical relationships that are established between the structures. A phases very definition is derived from its position in this hierarchy, and with these established relationships within the transcendental form. There is no other way for a structure to define itself, and its definition must be coherent.
Why Model A is incoherent
If a model focuses on content and structure first, without paying due attention to these higher-level forms, the model makes mistaken assumptions about structure and form that lead to faulty or niche statements about definitions, interactions, and data flow (both the data flows directionality and the paths that it takes). Niche in the sense they lack a broader coherence, or faulty in that they violate the principle of coherence - violate the very definitions of the things they presume to pertain to.
For example, if a model were to treat the introverted / extraverted as the primary axis, and make the internal/external or dynamic/static axis secondary, the result would be something that lacks coherence and violates the basic definitions of the phases. Model A has done this in various ways all throughout its type system, but most obviously in its function pairings system.
For example, Ni and Fe are both internal dynamic, Si and Te are both external dynamic. A model that bi-directionally pairs Ni with either Fe or Te makes the claim that the introverted/extraverted axis is primary, and the internal/external is secondary. The model also doesn't account for the static/dynamic axis at all, it treats dynamic functions as if they were all internally self-dual, dispensing with the notion of a coherent data flow and structure entirely. This most critical part of model A is completely incoherent.
Model A also has no coherent concept of a functions directionality, or any clear idea of what a functions input and output state is. For example, model A casually pairs Si with Fe, yet we know that Si is an external dynamic function which is concerned with effecting the objective state of affairs, while Fe is an internal function. So the output state of Si has nothing in common with the input state of Fe.
Augusta made this mistake because she based Model A on dualism, she did not recognize the need for a transcendental form. Infact, it's accurate to say that model A doesn't have any notion of coherence, or any way of enforcing one, or rejecting alternative models. This is one of the reasons we've had such an explosion of models and modificaions to Model A. There's an entire alphabet of models... there's still a need to rectify the inherent incoherence of model A, but none of these models have gone so far as to completely reject model A outright, and redo its metaphysics. That's what's required to solve its problems, and is the goal of the Wheel model. The term "Wheel" is referencing the Ouroborus.
Another implication of this inherent incoherence is the idea that opposing functions cannot work together toward a common goal - because there is ultimately nothing to unify them. Which means your superid and polr functions are necessarily weak, and mostly unused. This is just a limitation of model A.
The subject & object
The subject & object are the two most basic data structures in our model. Information presupposes a subject & object - the perceiver and that which is being perceived. The Wheel IM models how information transforms as it passes between the subject & object in a circular manner. Raw information in the environment is perceived by the subject... the information is sifted through and certain parts are integrated, then stored as a memory. Memories may arise spontaneously, or something might trigger them. The subject must remember that which is relevant in order to operate effectively in the world and express themselves in it. In doing so the subject exerts its influence on the environment. This causes a change or response in the environment which may be perceived by the subject. The new perceptions are taken in, sifted through and integrated, and round and round we go - a perpetual loop of information exchange exists between the subject & object. The results from one iteration of processing feed into the next. This exchange between the subject & object defines the data flow on a basic level.
You should also note that the subject & object are transcendentally related - the information in the outside world is integrated into and ultimately is what makes up the inner world, etc.. And the pattern of interaction between the subject and object as described above is consistent, it does not vary from one person to the next - every person perceives, sifts through the information, stores some of it in memory, remembers things in context, and takes action to effect their environment. This occurs in sequence because each step is a prerequisite for the next - you can't remember something if you haven't stored as a memory yet. So unlike in Model A's incoherent IM model this sequence of steps doesn't vary by type.
data structures & phases
Data structures are configurations of the data at a specific point in the data flow, and are represented by points along the circular continuum in the data flow model. They divide up the data flow model into discrete phases. The data flow transcends the data structures - it is unidimensional prior to any data structures being imposed onto it. As they're overlayed onto the data flow, the data structures divide it up - introducing mechanics through their relationships, along with the concept of data transformations. Examples of data structures are the subject and the object, or the intermediary points between the subject and the object. A phase is a period of time inwhich data flows from one structure to another. Phases have a data structure as their input & output, and are represented by the space between data structures in the data flow model. In a phase a transformation in the data occurs. Functions, meta-functions, and sub-functions are all phases.
the hierarchy of data structures and phases
As stated, data structures all share a higher transcendental aspect. This is data in its highest, most unified, undivided form. To define data structures we begin by dividing up the transcendental form into equal parts. We do this repeatedly, forming a hierarchy with the transcendental form at the top, each division adding another level to the hierarchy, adding more complexity, relationships, and so on. The first two points of distinction we recognize here are the subject & object. A subject & object are the basic actors in the act of information processing. At these points data is at its most subjective and objective forms. Data flow between the subject & the object occurs in 2 phases, dynamic and static phases. With static transformations data originated in the environment and is being internalized by the subject. The subject plays a passive role of taking in information, hence the name static. Dynamic data transformations occur when information emerges from within the subject, and is conveyed or made to effect the surrounding environment. Thus the subject is active in this process, they're oriented to effect some change in the world.
Next we consider the intermediary points, the 2 points located directly between the subject & object in the data flow. They are where the subject & object connect and where the transfer of information between the subject & object occurs. As information flows between the subject & object its state can be considered comparatively more objective or subjective based on its current position relative to the intermediary points. The phases defined by the 2 intermediate points are the internal & external information aspects - the information is either internal (within the subject) or external (out there in the world).
Add the introverted/extraverted axis as one more refinement and we have structurally deduced the 8 functions via their information aspects, which are shown arranged in the image. Here the introverted/extraverted axis is only a relative specifier - for example, while Se & Te are purely focused on the object itself, Si & Ti are nearer to the intermediary points and the internal space of the subject, but these are all still external functions - they are concerned with that which is material, tangible, and ultimately external to the mind; rather than with the wellspring of memories that characterize the subject. The number and proportion of the refinements one could add is arbitrary. It is an unfortunate mistake that these functions were originally named Introverted / Extraverted since it seems to suggest Si / Ti are essentially internal, but they are not, they are external functions. The same is true with Ne / Fe, they are internal functions. This may be confusing but this is just the language established by Jung. One more refinement and we have 16 phases, called sub-functions. Rather than types, this model will suggest there are 16 phases which we can characterize in a number of ways - by the higher-level phases to which the phase belongs, by describing the phase itself, and by analyzing the angle that phase has with other phases.
Phases have definite positions in the overall data flow model, there are no pairings, blocks, or sub-rings
In the hierarchy of data structures a given structure may be a sub-structure of a higher level one while it subsumes another. These relationships were established when the structures were deduced from the transcendental form. Data structures, and by extension phases, inherit the attributes of higher level structures and pass on their attributes to those below them. Thus position within the data flow defines a data structures associated attributes. Phases in turn have immutable attributes, positions, and relationships with one another. For example, the internal dynamic functions are always followed by the external dynamic functions, followed by the external static functions, followed by the internal static functions, and so on. Information moves from the subject, to the object, to the subject, to the object, and so on. The dynamic phase always follows from the subject & leads toward the object; it is characterized by the information flow between these structures.
An implication of this is that a functions (or any phases) position in the data flow cannot be rearranged on a whim - organized into blocks, function pairings, or sub-rings - as is done in general socionics models (a function is a phase). It would be meaningless to try to do this, since position is what literally defines the data structures and phases, you'd be undermining their very definition by trying to do this.
Descriptions of the 8 functions & their place in the data flow
Fi & the inner self
Notice the point where the subject is located in the data flow (see the image). This point represents the individuals core, innermost self. It's a collection of memories, and it is deeply personal. The information there is persistent and has been organized. Fi is the phase that leads into the innermost point in the data flow (see the image). Fi is responsible for integrating information into the inner self, retaining it as a memory. As the subject integrates information they must organize it - they pick and choose which information to hang on to and which to discard. The information must be brought into a state of consistency with the other information in memory - this is done by reconciling any contradictory parts (the parts that don’t feel good) and retaining the consistent parts (the parts that feel good). Contrary to what many believe about Fi, this is infact a rational process which assesses the coherence or incoherence of information in its broadest context within the subject. New or changed information may trigger a reassessing and restructuring of old memories. Part of reconciling information is stripping it down to its metaphysical form - information is made compatible, and the individuals personal morals are established. This often involves ruminating on the information. Stripping information down also abstracts it, pruning off the unimportant information and hanging onto the meaningful parts. All of this is done with Fi. After Fi has done its job, and the information is done being integrated, it is stored long term and available for recall. Going back to the image, you can see that Fi is pulling information into the subject - this is characteristic of all static functions. It is also dealing with information in the inner world - it is an internal function, i.e. its phase is located on the subjects side of the intermediary divide.
In short, Fi has a functional purpose to organize & maintain the memories.
Ni, associations & recall
Ni is the phase situated directly after the subjective point in the data flow model, where data is first emerging out of the subject, thus Ni is responsible for recollection, ideas, and idealism. Memories live within the subject, where they share a common context and are freely related to one another. Brainstorming and associative recall can occur readily. Memories can be recalled willfully, or the individual can enter an open state of consciousness where they emerge spontaneously. It may not be immediately obvious how the information is relevant, because it's come from within the subject. Memories recollected are often abstract, lacking worldly context, and often come out as vague impressions in an unpresentable form. Thus Ni has been associated with the archetypal imagery of the unconscious. This is not a full characterization though, and can be misleading, because conscious recall is also a Ni process. The critical distinction is that the information is first emerging out of the subject. The ability to freely associate enables creative self-expression and leads to personal revelations - pieces of information connect with seemingly distant and unrelated information, new ideas are apprehended. However, the abstract nature of the information makes it impractical and in need of refinement. The information needs to be found use for; recontextualized with respect to how and where it should fit into the world. Ni doesn’t follow through with practicalities, but it does ponder them; whether an idea is plausible determines whether it's sound. Implausible ideas must be discarded. Still Ni remains mostly caught up within the self, in the creative impulse, the pure inspiration and the flight of ideas. Ni is also associated with ones own ideals - abstract principles held by the subject, and how they should be manifest. This is because Ni is an expression of the morals and axioms established by Fi. Ni is again an internal function (like Fi), and again these are processes that occur within the subject. But it is a dynamic function, and you can see the difference - information (i.e. memories) are emerging out of the subject and are finding their expression.
Ni has a functional purpose to access & bring to bear relevant memories.
To be continued
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Originally Posted by Eudaemon
