The 4 Cerebral Functions
In life, we all live according to what we perceive and think (about what we have perceived). Or to put it another way, perception and thought are our two primary guiding functions.
In doing so, we perceive in one of two ways (generally): Either by observing (empirically), or else imagining (conceptually). Or to say it another way, we rely most upon observation or imagination.
In like fashion, we think in one of two ways (generally): Either personally (relationally) , or else impersonally (issue-minded). That is, we're either more personal (animate), or more impersonal (inanimate).
Which best describes you? (These terms are important to understanding how the 16 inborn designs correlate in the human brain.)
EMPIRICAL (E) or CONCEPTUAL (C) (How We Perceive the World)
(E) and (C) indicate which senses you naturally use first. Either you prefer empirical observation via the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch), or the conceptual sixth sense via imagination (or intuition).
If you are Empirical (E), you're focused on the “here-and-now,” and prone toward reality (ahead of possibilities). You're inclined to what is actually observable and measurable. You're pragmatic, observant, and factual. You ask, “Will it work?” or, "Do I need this?" You pay attention to detail and follow directions step by step. Direct conversation is your style, saying what you mean (generally) and interpreting what you hear and read more literally. You walk through the forest examining the detailed variety of flora and fauna, so to speak.
If you are Conceptual (C), you're fascinated by possibilities in a situation. You follow hunches, and tend to imagine what could be ahead of what is. You rely upon your own insights into the world of possibilities, concepts, significance, and absorb new information. You enjoy symbols, daydreaming, and mental gymnastics that focus on the future (or the past). Facts are useful primarily to develop patterns that lead to further discoveries or that support new ideas. You invent and create, and are more apt to “read into things” and/or “read between the lines.” You walk through the forest examining the flora and fauna, but you can float above the trees and not lose sight of the “big picture.”
Keep in mind, few people are extreme--one way or the other. But, we do favor one over the other. We all access each dimension. And yet, we innately prefer one over the other in our daily grind.
In contrast to traditional psychological-type theory, BT analysis has discovered that Conceptual people account for near two-thirds of the U.S. population--far more than previously believed.
ANIMATE (A) or INANIMATE (I) (How We Think)
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There are two ways we process information. Either we take it in personally or impersonally. Decisions must inevitably be made, and people find themselves most comfortable making them based on either a personal basis via their Animate (A) function, or on an impersonal basis their Inanimate (I) function.
One person may choose an impersonal, objective approach that seems to be clear and logical. Another person may be prone to “feel a situation out” and then decide based on visceral, personal, or subjective values. The latter usually places more emphasis on how the decision will affect the people involved. The first person would be declared an Inanimate and the second an Animate.
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Here we have a major point of contention between opposite Brain Types. In fact, conventional typological theory associates the term “feeler” with Animate and “thinker” with Inanimate.
Note: Inanimate “thinkers” certainly do have feelings and Animate “feelers” do think. All human brains share the same basic functional capacity (relatively), but they're wired with distinctively preferred "neural highways."
How do we know? All brains possess both of these in their neural circuitry, but each person is born cognitively "stronger" in one function over the other. This explains why people often speak "different languages" within the same language. Those dominant in the Animate function possess what can be described as a high degree of emotional intelligence. And persons dominant in the Inanimate function possess a high degree of logical precision. In a situation affecting both Inanimate and Animate, these areas of specialty in decision-making can clash.
Both Inanimate and Animate functions are rational processes, and both are necessary. In dealing with objective matters, numbers, and principles, we need the logical Inanimate thought process. In dealing with people and animals (living creatures), the Animate process is generally the most effective function. Life’s dilemmas tend to involve both realms, which requires wisdom in properly combining the two.
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Summary of the Four Functions
EA – Empirical Animate: OBSERVES PERSONALLY. (And excels in gross motor skills; see Body Skills.)
EI – Empirical Inanimate: OBSERVES IMPERSONALLY (And excels in fine motor skills; see Body Skills.)
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CA – Conceptual Animate: IMAGINES PERSONALLY (And excels in speech and hearing; see Body Skills.)
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CI – Conceptual Inanimate: IMAGINES IMPERSONALLY (And excels in voice & diaphragmatic breathing; see Body Skills.)
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