Originally Posted by
aflyinge
Types in MBTI cannot be translated into Socionics because the systems are so different. It doesn't matter that they have a common ancestor by the name of Carl Jung; chickens and dinosaurs have a common ancestor but nobody is arguing they are the same. After decades of developing apart there are significant differences between the two. MBTI types are not the same as Socionics types. It does not even make sense to ask the question "Is your MBTI type the same as your Socionics type?" ENFP in MBTI does not describe the same personality as ENFp/IEE in Socionics. Please do NOT try to use the MBTI system to find your Socionics dual. Instead, learn Socionics from scratch and find your and other people's types there.
Trying to find a compromise between MBTI and Socionics is futile. It’s like mixing oil and water. There is a perfectly good theory of thinking patterns called MBTI. There is another perfectly good theory of interpersonal relationships called Socionics that studies people’s responses to receiving certain kinds of information. There are correlations between the two as thinking patterns often affect the type of information that is communicated, but trying to blend them into a single theory (e.g. “If you are type X in MBTI then you can only be type Y or type Z in Socionics”) will produce a contaminated substance that has no practical use or aesthetic appeal.
There is no one-to-one correspondence between MBTI types and Socionics types. This fact has been well established and will remain true until the end of time. Nor is the correspondence between the systems one-to-two, one-to-three, or one-to-X where X is any number less than 16.
An example to clarify this point: ENFP ISTj/LSI. Seems impossible, doesn’t it? No, it is actually quite possible. The ENFP perceives information through Ne and rationalizes it with Te. Because Ne is a wide lens, the information will be vast and hazy as the details blend together. When the ENFP uses Te to rationalize this information, they create laws that explain the big picture, often neglecting edge cases and individual data points. This ability to impose logical order on a vast array of data, along with the ability to create universal laws on the fly, make the ENFP skilled at managerial positions and quick decision making. Now, let’s see the overlap with Aushra’s description of Ti base in Socionics:
“When this element is in the leading position, the individual is distinguished by his or her ability to logically evaluate relations of the objective static reality, or the world of objects. He also has the ability to change the interrelations between properties of different objects according to his wishes, and through this influence objects themselves as carriers of these properties.”
There is a clear overlap with the ENFP’s Ne-Te. But that’s not all. The ENFP uses a microscope called Si to perceive their personal values generated by Fi. This makes them certain about how they feel towards any specific thing they perceive. They have an uncompromising nature where personal values are not sacrificed for the sake of blending into the crowd. If someone were to try to transgress these values, the ENFP could stop that person in a variety of ways, using force if necessary. Now, let’s see the overlap with Aushra’s description of Se creative in Socionics:
“The individual takes direct action to accomplish his goals and desires in the face of external obstacles, and also the interests of his close friends, family, or associates. This may involve prodding others to take necessary action, deliberately applying pressure in specific situations, or abruptly taking on an organizational role. The individual does not generally seek out confrontation, but he is also not afraid of it.”
There is an overlap with the ENFP’s adherence to personal values. Because of these shared characteristics, the ENFP LSI is a perfectly logical combination. In fact, I personally know someone with this combination, a mechanical engineer. This example shows that a type combination that seems impossible at first glance can actually make sense if you understand both theories well enough. When one studies or creates a theory about personality, the first question that should be asked is, “What am I trying to measure?” If two personality theories measure different things, then they are viewing the same person from different angles. If you measure someone’s arm that does not imply anything about their height. If you measure someone’s hair color that does not imply anything about what they ate last week. These traits are correlated because they come from the same person, but it would be illogical to try to use one to determine the other. Studying personality typology can help us accomplish many things. In order to use it to our utmost benefit, we must have a rigorous understanding of the systems we are using.
MBTI Types are NOT the Same as Socionics Types
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