The Function Attitudes

The function attitudes are metaphorical sub-archetypes to explain patterns that arise in type behaviour explored by multiple Typology alumni, most notably John Beebe & C.S. Joseph. It employs the Grant-Brownsword e i e i / i e i e stack model. By attributing personifying characteristics to these functions, it makes it easier to understand the way they manifest and the relationship they have to one another.

They are also a guideline to understanding one's own type development.

The Hero & the Tyrant (1st)

Champion of its respective function. At its best, it leads by example to demonstrate the greatest qualities of the function it's representing. It advocates for the function by embodying its highest potential.

When dysfunctional it falls from grace and becomes a Tyrant, enslaving all other functions to its domineering will and attempting to do the same upon the external world.

The Parent & the Enforcer (2nd)

Imagine the Parent is literally the Hero's parent. Like all parents, this function attitude has a certain predisposition to preferences and traits they would like their children to adopt. That predisposition is of course whatever function it's representing. Therefore it steers the Hero in that direction.

When dysfunctional, they become authoritarian in nature, moving from guidance to demand. If the Hero has also fallen into becoming the Tyrant, the Parent becomes the Enforcer. This demand extends to both other functions and other people.

The Child & the Brat (3rd)

The Child is the Hero's innocence and immaturity. Whatever function lands in this role is the 'play' function. The Hero enjoys this aspect of themselves, but aren't naturally adept with it, which can get them into trouble sometimes.

When the Hero refuses to acknowledge their immaturity the Child becomes the Brat. The Brat stubbornly believes they are a master of their function and will react... poorly to anyone who says otherwise.

The Inferior & the Aspirational (4th)

The Inferior is the Hero's insecurity. The Hero feels like they aren't as good as they could be because they struggle with whatever function the Inferior represents, but they wish they could excel in it. Being unable to overcome the Inferior is one the main ways the Hero becomes the Tyrant.

When the Hero overcomes the fear of the Inferior, they pass its test of integrity and the Hero begins a 'training arc' in the Inferior function. As a result, they can become significantly more powerful.

The Nemesis & the Rival (5th or 1st-Shadow)

Without the Nemesis, there'd be no need for the Hero and vice versa. They need eachother. As the opposing function to the Hero, the Nemesis is trying to win the game of tug-of-war, so to speak.

If the Hero can resist the Nemesis and gain even more integrity from their encounters, the Nemesis can be softened into the Rival; still aiming to one-up the Hero but not so much discredit or usurp them.

The Critic (6th or 2nd-Shadow)

The Critic doesn't so much oppose the Hero as they do they Parent. It's the overly critical grandparent who tells the Parent how they should be parenting and constantly goes over the parent's head to tell the Hero who the real bad guys are, with extreme prejudice. The target of the Critic is always the Symbiotic function in relation to the Parent.

The Critic also cannot be changed, per se. However, the Hero can learn to distinguish between the Critic's valid points and bitter prejudice, synthesising the two into constructive criticism towards the function being targeted by the Critic.

The Trickster (7th or 3rd-Shadow)

The Trickster is the Hero's biggest weakness, but unlike other weaknesses, the Hero doesn't care about their lack in this area. It's the function that gets the least mental bandwidth; the least processing power. In Socionics they call it the Point of Least Resistance or 'Blindspot'.

By realising that the Trickster is constantly trying to trick them into overconfidence and the belief that they don't need to consider the function it represents, the Hero can learn from this sneaky sod by always keeping their lies in mind.

The Demon & the Guardian (8th or 4th-Shadow)

The Demon is the stress, anger and pain of the Hero made manifest. It's ready to go wild at any moment the Hero lets down the restrictions holding it back. However the Demon is extremely overprotective. It is permanently on the alert for problems corresponding to its function and thus can be viewed as the pessimism that threatens to drag the Hero down.

When the Hero has integrated their negative experiences and accepted that the Demon is a manifestation of self-protection, they can tame the Demon and gain the greatest ally they could ask for. The Demon never stops being protective, but with less perceived threat, it assumes the role of the Guardian.