WHAT IS ETI?

The epistemic typology indicator explores the way certain types of people gain and process knowledge. It does this by analysing how we develop beliefs regarding the unknown and knowledge of what we do know. Our philosophical beliefs determine our view of that which is unknown. They may be characterised as either spiritual or nihilistic. Our analytical processes may be characterised as either inductive or deductive. In ETI, these characterisations are split into introverted and extroverted functions, thereby mirroring Jung’s theory of cognitive functions. So, introverted spirituality would correspond to extroverted nihilism, extroverted deduction to introverted induction etc.

 

The functions include: introverted induction (Ii), extroverted induction (Ei), introverted deduction (Id), extroverted deduction (Ed), introverted spirituality (Is), extroverted spirituality (Es), introverted nihilism (In) and extroverted nihilism (En). 

 

The types differ from MBTI in some aspects. Firstly, there are only eight types. Secondly, extroverts lead with two extroverted functions and introverts with two introverted functions. However, like MBTI, functions may still be split into both judging and perceiving forms. So, a four letter type may still be determined based on the four functions we consciously use. For example, ESIJ would stand for extroverted, spiritual, inductive and judging. Also, archetypes may be attributed to these types which, in the case of the ESIJ, would be the guardian archetype.

 

Judging functions include: Ei, Id, Es, and In. Perceiving functions include: Ii, Ed, Is and En. This produces the following types:

 

Nihilistic Types

ENIJ - Ei, En, Id, Is - gambler

ENDP - Ed, En, Ii, Is - provocateur 

INIP - Ii, In, Ed, Es - hedonist

INDJ - Id, In, Ei, Es - warrior

 

Spiritual Types

ESDJ - Es, Ed, In, Ii - healer

ESIJ - Es, Ei, In, Id - guardian 

ISIP - Is, Ii, En, Ed - seeker

ISDP - Is, Id, En, Ei - sage

 

Nihilistic types tend to focus on what is concrete and therefore lead with their strongest analytical function. By comparison, spiritual types are more willing to focus on what is unknown and therefore lead with their strongest philosophical function. 

 

This system lends itself to a considerably faster form of testing. Only three questions are necessary. Is the subject extroverted or introverted? Do they consider themselves spiritual or nihilistic? Which do they value more: variety or consistency? The final question provides an answer as to whether or not the subject is using introverted deduction. This analytical function tends to utilise first principles thinking with regard to the inner world. Therefore, an Id user would be keenly aware of their own preferences. This causes a preference for consistency.

 

To add further nuance, three supplementary types exist for any given type. An aspirational type, a conscience type and an unconscious type. The aspirational type is the type with identical middle letters. So, for an ESIJ, it would ISIP. The conscience type is the type with the first three letters switched. For an ESIJ, this would be the INDJ. Finally, the unconscious type would be that which has identical middle letters to the conscience type. For ESIJ, it would be ENDP.

 

This system allows for fast, easy typing with considerable accuracy. Furthermore, it takes introverted functions into account when determining whether a type is perceiving or judging. So, the INFJ, who would typically correspond with the ISDP (sage archetype), would be represented as perceiving rather than judging. This could be considered more accurate as perception can occur via introverted intuition or introverted thinking. Both these functions, although not entirely similar, may overlap with the Is and Id functions respectively. 

 

Function Descriptions

 

For every extroverted function, there is an introverted function of the opposite type. So, an introverted inductive would be an extroverted deductive. Likewise, an extroverted spiritual would be an introverted nihilist. 

 

Extroverted spirituality (Es) refers to the way that we reason with inexplicable, physical phenomena. This may manifest as an interest in the paranormal or by attributing physical occurrences to spiritual causes. It is inherently superstitious.

 

Introverted spirituality (Is) focuses on the internal world. It takes the view that spirituality is an internal struggle rather than an external one. It is inherently mystical. Therefore, it attributes spiritual explanations to those inexplicable aspects of the human condition.

 

Extroverted nihilism (En) considers every physical occurrence to have a concrete explanation. It is more likely to attribute scientific theories to inexplicable, physical phenomena. 

 

Introverted nihilism (In) takes the view that inexplicable, internal phenomena may be attributed to either emotional or intellectual causes. Inexplicable aspects of the human condition are assumed to be physical in their origin.

 

Extroverted deduction (Ed) utilises first principles thinking with regard to the physical world. It seeks to explain physical phenomena in a concrete way and tries to find a solid, mathematical or logical basis for such explanations.

 

Introverted deduction (Id) also uses first principles thinking. However, it focuses on the inner world and what is considered true from a subjective standpoint. It considers preferences and feelings within the subject to be inherently true.

 

Extroverted induction (Ei) identifies trends in empirical data. It then seeks to explain and predict things based on these trends. 

 

Introverted induction (Ii) identifies trends and patterns in the behaviour of the subject. It offers hypothetical explanations with regard to the preferences, emotions and behaviours of the subject. These explanations are then used to make predictions.

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Applications 

 

Unlike other forms of typology, ETI currently offers little in the way of introspective resources for the individual. It is likely that a typed subject is already familiar with themselves to this degree. Rather, it’s true value lies in the ease and efficiency of its application. ETI makes it possible to map out the basic internal struggles of a person. It takes very little information to answer the three questions required to do this. Introversion and extroversion are often easy to identify through observation. Philosophy is often evident in conversation. Finally, the preference for consistency can be garnered by a question as simple as what do you usually eat for lunch? Therefore, ETI can reveal a lot about a person’s mind with little information. This may be used to improve communication and rapport with others in situations with high stakes and short windows of opportunity.

 

There are many situations in which this may be the case. In leadership contexts, we can adopt aspects of an aspirational type. This encourages others to look up to us and follow our example. Adopting the conscience type of another can make us seem more reliable or trustworthy. Taking on the same primary type as another can make them feel understood and related to in a more platonic context. 

 

Final Notes

 

ETI is a new and currently undeveloped form of typology. Much of the subtler nuances garnered by both professional and amateur typologists is required before this can be considered useful at the same level as enneagram or MBTI. These extra details form the basis for deeper introspection and bring the whole typology community closer together. 

 

Furthermore, such people encourage others to explore the fundamentals of typology and garner an understanding beyond the archetypes. This can prevent stereotyping and inaccurate assumptions from being made. Likewise, I would encourage all those interested in ETI to explore the epistemic functions I have outlined prior to trying to utilise this typing system. Our understanding of the archetypes is often swayed by our own associations. While the “thing in itself” alludes us, it is my hope that the epistemic functions will bring us just a little closer.