Ti is the abbreviation for introverted thinking and is something we consider as the “truth function”. It is a “judging” or decision making function as opposed to an observing or “perceiving” function. Furthermore, it’s mainly concerned with facts that are based on true or false statements in order to make choices.
One of the biggest benefits to having this function is the depth of knowledge & expertise that can be developed on a specific topic. It’s what is most traditionally associated with “genius”, such as with Albert Einstein who had introverted thinking as his tertiary or child function.
Introverted thinkers are logical & precise in formulating their thoughts. Those with dominant Ti can come off as cold, unapproachable, or say things that are true but might offend others. This is one of the drawbacks to having such a powerful thinking function, but it can be tempered by mastering its axis function of Extroverted Feeling (Fe).
We’ll cover more strengths & weaknesses, benefits & drawbacks, plus tell-tale signs that you’re an introverted thinker in this article. If you want to learn more about a specific function, check out our main archive on MBTI Cognitive Functions.
What Is Introverted Thinking & What Does It Look Like
Introverted thinking is cold hard logic & facts, which are not to be confused with rationale, common sense, and belief, which are linked to Extroverted Thinking.
Another way to look at introverted thinking is like a processing function. It’s a function that’s capable of taking in external inputs, sorting out all the true/false facts according to itself, and producing an original & nuanced thought. When this is done to a high degree, they can often be regarded as “thought leaders” or “experts” in their field.
You can see this clearly in someone like Thomas Delauer who is a YouTuber that talks on subjects related to health & nutrition. His advice goes beyond looking at the surface of “healthy & unhealthy” or reading off studies. He deep dives into cell biology, chemical interactions of the human body, and produces his own expert opinion on the matter.
In conversation overall, they can be a bit wordy when describing their intellectual theories. They also don’t mind taking extra time to find the perfect or most accurate words to describe what they’re talking about.
Examples of Ti
One of the most common places that logic takes place in today’s world is in computer programming. Much of the programming languages use Boolean expressions & operators such as “Or”, “And”, and “Not”. For example: You either have Ti OR Te, but not both. If you have Ti, then you have Ti AND Fe. If you have Fe then you do NOT have Fi… therefore Ti Users cannot have Fi.
Introverted thinkers can sometimes be a stubborn bunch, and to be fair, this characteristic also applies to the other introverted functions. So because Ti users are internally focused, they can often disregard consensus or commonly accepted beliefs. They can see themselves as the authority in their own internal processings & require lots of data, statistics, and other people’s input to disprove or convince their way of thought.
The modern genre of dark academia is a romanticization of the introverted thinking function. Movies and books of this genre often include old elite universities & gothic libraries along with old traditional fashion. It is a world where being an intellectual is the underlying or common theme.
Strengths & Weaknesses of Ti
Accurate Thinking
Ti users love their accuracy & avoid generalizations in their thinking at all costs. They like to have the facts & produce arguments that will “hold water”. They are always looking for the right word with the right implications.
Original Thought
Because they are able to take in information & process it for themselves, they are also able to produce independent thought. This is their own conclusion & not a repeat of external sources such as studies, analytics, or common hearsay.
Stands Up For Others
Due to the relation of Ti & Fe, people with high introverted thinking can be quite caring when their Extroverted Feeling is triggered. They can stand up for others using their logic, sometimes more easily than even for their own selves. The last thing they want to be labeled is unethical or lacking empathy towards others.
Thinks Outside The Box
Due to their independent thought & going against the grain of pre-established beliefs, Ti users are able to create novel solutions. This can be in the field of mechanics, engineering, computer science, psychology and other similar fields.
Overall, Ti users don’t just go with the flow, they need to have an original stance & this in turn helps to bring innovation. Because of Fe, they also take other people’s problems very seriously and can go above and beyond to help them.
Practicality
Complex thought structures & unique solutions can come with their drawbacks however. Sometimes all of the added complexity that only the original Ti user understands, can be a burden to practical application.
Having too many moving parts & overengineering are common tropes which are associated with high levels of introverted thinking. The question to ask is, will the solution be easily & efficiently implemented, and will it work for everyone? Not just the Ti inventor.
Requires Quality Input
Despite their excellent processing power, introverted thinkers also need quality sources from which to draw their information from. Without this, they can come to wrong conclusions or build on an incorrect premise. They can fall victim to issues of favoring their last known input on a subject, going along with personally preferred input, or completely disregarding opposing opinion.
Argumentative or Harsh
To “feelers”, those who have Fe or Fi in their top 2 slots, thinkers can come off as harsh in search for the truth. Between two thinking types, this arguing might simply be refining an idea or exchanging possibilities. To others it can be seen as combative or causing disharmony within the group, essentially alienating themselves.
Overthinking
Too much thinking and not enough doing can lead to stagnation or indecision. Spending too much time analyzing & trying to get to the bottom of things can also distract you from the things that matter emotionally, such as friends, family, and being good to others.
Relation To Extroverted Feeling Fe
As mentioned in the examples, if you have Ti, then you also have Fe.
So despite high Ti users coming off as cold or uncaring at times, there is actually a counterbalance to this which is Extroverted Feeling.
Extroverted feeling is inclined to absorb the morals or Fi of other people & understand the ethics of a group. They are aware of social norms & convention, although this sometimes feels like a hindrance to their true thinking selves (such as with ISTPs & INTPs).
So with Ti & Fe being on an axis, this means that one function affects the other. For example, an INTP might make a logical argument to attack someone, however it was derived from the Fe standpoint of protecting or defending others.
Which Personality Types Have Introverted Thinking Ti
Alpha Quadra
INTP (Ti Ne Si Fe)
The Ti hero of an INTP sets them on a life-long journey for truth. They seek to be the brightest person in the room, and because of their Ne parent, know at least a little about everything.
They use their intellect to make sense of the world and their lives. They can be very vague and unusual with their assumptions and understandings of the world. On the surface they are chronic overthinkers, socially awkward, and too smart for their own good.
ENTP (Ne Ti Fe Si)
The Ti parent of the ENTP will take the responsibility to fact check illogical assumptions. Because they have Fe child, they know exactly how to correct someone without making them feel bad or offending them.
They know when it is appropriate to engage in discourse and don’t overstep that boundary unless necessary. They might help others with their math homework, or encourage critical thought in their households.
ISFJ (Si Fe Ti Ne)
Because of the Ti child, the ISFJ often gets good grades in school. They are likely to correct others when they use improper spellings.
They engage in light intellectual pursuits like having a “word of the day” or always reading before bedtime. They are optimistic with their Ti child and may boast about how much they know about a subject.
ESFJ (Fe Si Ne Ti)
The Ti inferior of the ESFJ can be afraid to share what they think for fear of being wrong. They typically get uncomfortable in intellectually charged situations. They might engage in light conversation and might begin to tap out once it goes too deep.
An ESFJ might be afraid of what they don’t understand, and avoid those subjects instead of researching them. They often apply their Ti to their careers, learning all they need to know to be a good service to others. They also enjoy movies that portray genius and academia such as “Good Will Hunting” and “A Beautiful Mind”.
Beta Quadra
ISTP (Ti Se Ni Fe)
ISTP’s can be looked at as the athletic nerds. They often apply their deep thinking towards subjects like bodybuilding & nutrition, while others prefer more prestigious fields like physics or mechanical engineering.
They are very independent people, especially in their way of thinking & love to go 50 layers deep into topics that interest them. Subjects that are illogical or only skim the surface for a quick fix can also be irritating to them.
ESTP (Se Ti Fe Ni)
The Ti parent of the ESTP might challenge you to make sure you are thinking about something deeply enough. They are not afraid to call you out for an illogical assumption. As a parent they may make their children read books, buy them toys that stimulate intellectual growth, and help them with their homework.
INFJ (Ni Fe Ti Se)
The INFJ uses their Ti in school, work, and daily life. They have their personal opinions on taboo subjects but won’t bring them up if they might offend someone. INFJ’s like to be well read, and might enjoy classic literature. Overall they build up their Ti in order to help others with their more developed Extroverted Feeling parent.
ENFJ (Fe Ni Se Ti)
The ENFJ often strives for social harmony and progress which they excel at. They often use their Ti in college to deep dive into their major, and use it in their careers. Because of the inferior Ti, they may be afraid to ask questions in school and just pretend that they understand.
Signs That You Might Be an Introverted Thinker
1. You’re averse to those suit-wearing, achievement-minded, businessy Extroverted Thinking users.
2. You always have to get the facts straight in a situation & make sure that things make logical sense.
3. Not only do you consider yourself a thinker, but you also have a warm & caring side of you which is attributed to Extroverted Feeling.
4. Sometimes your elaborate theory or way of doing things falls flat when it comes to practical application.
5. Some might consider you argumentative or you don’t express your own true thoughts often enough.
6. You come to your own conclusions & sometimes disregard what everyone else believes to be true.
7. You might be afraid to ask questions in order to not look dumb in front of others.
Conclusion
Introverted thinking abbreviation Ti, is the “truth function”. It is a “judging” or decision making function. It’s mainly concerned with facts that are based on true or false statements in order to make choices. Ti users have their identity based on their intellect, and like their thoughts and ideas to be listened to. They develop their mind palace throughout their lives in order to gain a sense of understanding of the world.
