Beebe Type Definitions
Dr. John Beebe has been evolving his definitions of the eight functions, and eventually I’ll have more to share on that. So consider this a “first pass” at the topic, with more to come later.
Following is one version of his definitions:
Introverted Sensation concerns itself primarily with finding order, organizing experience, and monitoring the comfort of the body on the inside.
Extraverted Sensation involves compelling, often shared, experiences of the textures, smells, sights, sounds, and tastes of the world – a direct relationship with reality.
Introverted Feeling is mainly concerned with the values that matter most to oneself.
Extraverted Feeling seeks to connect with the feelings of others.
Extraverted iNtuition is involved in picking up what is going on in other people’s minds, and seeing possibilities that others might not have imagined.
Introverted iNtuition looks at the big picture in the unconscious, where the gestalts that move nations, religions, and epochs lay, even in the midst of apparently “individual” experience.
Extraverted Thinking is interested in definitions that hold true for everyone, according to ideas everyone might agree with.
Introverted Thinking reflects on whether a particular construction really accords with the conviction of inner truth, regardless of what the received opinion might be.
It’s important to remember that we all use all eight of the functions, so it’s useful to cogitate on how each one of these shows up for you. ![]()
I coach people to identify and develop their natural personality strengths in order to maximize their potential.