In the last post, we have laid out the barebone structure of socionics' Model A, in which each function slot is filled with a certain cognitive function according to each archetype's configuration of strength, value, and consciousness. Now, one thing to note about the description of the slots is that these are not eight concrete slots that are accessed independently by the psyche. Rather, it is a sole theory of organizing the psyche into eight sections that could portray the preference and ability of one's mind.

To describe it in a simpler matter, these slots are not identified as the use of different parts of the brain (at least not yet proven to be). As many people could agree that it takes a numerous amount of a person's time in life to 'understand oneself', these concretely defined functions are in fact very much blended and intertwined with, and sometimes embedded within each other that if we use the textbook Model A descriptions to pinpoint a person's archetype, we will likely get a different answer from time to time as a person matures and develops. The most important indicator that the model boils down to is a person's thought process — in other words, the way they 'tend' to think.

First and foremost, let us introduce each cognitive function of its primitive form according to Model A. There are eight cognitive functions:

• Fe – Extraverted Ethics
• Fi – Introverted Ethics
• Ne – Extraverted Intuition
• Ni – Introverted Intuition
• Se – Extraverted Sensing
• Si – Introverted Sensing
• Te – Extraverted Logic
• Ti – Introverted Logic

If you have learned about MBTI and some other typology systems, you might know that these terms are also used by MBTI and its derived theories. In socionics, each function has its own corresponding shape and color. Black indicates extraversion, or as the role of an energizer, while white indicates introversion or as the role of an integrator.

Note that socionics have replaced the terms for the judging functions: 'feeling' with 'ethics' and 'thinking' with 'logic' to avoid ambiguity. After all, all humans have the ability to naturally feel emotions and think logically with varying degrees. This posts will focus more on these judging functions: Ti, Te, Fi and Fe, specifically on how these functions portray themselves at a 4-D strength (dominant or demonstrative functions) and also my additional notes on how these traits manifest at a 2-D strength (as role or mobilizing functions).

Extraverted Ethics (Fe)

Extraverted ethics is a cognitive function that focuses on the understanding of social norms and the rules of the collective. The decisions made by this function is focused on the well-being of either society as a whole or the dynamics in a certain group of people. Archetypes who take this function seriously (either dominant function or suggestive function) tend to favor a certain group of individuals as their main form of social interaction and enjoy talking in the group to share ideas or experiences. The reasoning behind the function is usually based on explicit communication of thoughts and emotions.

Archetypes with 4-D Fe skills have a strong enough ability to use the 2-D Te, an articulative function that can swiftly improvise factual details. They are highly able to hide their emotions in front of people they are not familiar with by talking about events that seem to excite them and at the same time show an exciting emotion to 'pretend' their way out of others questioning their real emotions.

Introverted Ethics (Fi)

Introverted ethics is a cognitive function related to the development of personal morals and authenticity in interacting with others. It values a one-on-one connection to other individuals as well as promoting individuality as opposed to 'following the crowd'. This function is also highly correlated with whole-hearted dedications and sentimental feelings to people, events or, objects. Archetypes who take this function seriously (either dominant or suggestive function) will possess a certain determination that they strive for, as well as their own justification of self-dignity and loyalty by heart.

Archetypes with 4-D Fi skills have a strong enough ability to use their 2-D Ti, which presents themselves as cool and rational in front of people they are not too familiar with. They can easily justify their behaviors with logical intentions to prevent others from realizing their hidden emotional elements, as well as restraining from 'friendly gestures' to avoid others' potential harsh responses.

Extraverted Logic (Te)

Extraverted logic is a cognitive function related to knowledge, as well as imposing fairness, efficiency, and diligence. This function sometimes manifests as being informative and 'highly talkative', and also the desire to make plans and execute them accordingly. Most importantly, this function strives to discover 'shortcuts' to eliminate unnecessary overhead in communication and implementations, as well as finding the 'efficient solutions that work' while neglecting rules (including social norms) that do not help in achieving these solutions. Archetypes who take this function seriously (either dominant function or suggestive function) tend to ignore personal boundaries to get their points across. These behaviors might be seen as socially improper or intrusive, yet it forms a tacit personal bond between the communicating individuals, all of whom understand the intrusion is meant to be a friendly and caring gesture in a practical manner.

Archetypes with 4-D Te skills have a strong enough ability to use their 2-D Fe. In front of people who they believe do not earn their full respect or trust, they can act socially proper, yet at the same time being helpfully available to them. All behaviors will tend toward maintaining a certain distance but still satisfying others' needs for assistance.

Introverted Logic (Ti)

Introverted logic is a cognitive function that focuses on systematically following principles, which can be either the law, a set of made rules or a certain request by themselves or others. This function tends to mentally build an internal structure of rules as a reference of consistency, and is often related to the scientific understanding of how things are 'as a system'. This function also brings about the concepts of obligatory loyalty (as opposed to the Fi loyalty by heart) and respect. Archetypes who take this function seriously (either dominant function or suggestive function) will tend to insist on a certain way as 'the right way' to carry out an action or behavior, usually due to maintaining formality.

Archetypes with 4-D Ti skills have a strong enough ability to use their 2-D Fi. They can be politely dismissive to people they have just met until they develop respect for those people. Also, they are able to conceal their inner intentions and utilize their just-enough social skills to achieve their end goals.