Within Carl Jung’s framework of psychological types, cognitive functions serve as core structures or patterns in consciousness, shaping how individuals perceive and evaluate their experiences. Among these, Introverted Feeling, often abbreviated as Fi, stands out as an introspective and value-driven mode of processing reality. Unlike traits, which suggest fixed or inherent qualities of personality, Fi is not a static attribute one possesses. It is a process—a lens through which consciousness filters the world through deeply personal emotions and principles. To fully grasp Fi, we must explore its essence, its place in Jung’s typology, its manifestations in daily life, and how it differs from other cognitive functions.
Jung categorized four cognitive functions into perceiving (Sensation and Intuition) and judging (Thinking and Feeling) types, each with introverted and extraverted orientations. Introverted Feeling, as a judging function, is inwardly focused, centering on the subjective emotional landscape of the individual. It is the function most attuned to "what matters to me," prioritizing personal authenticity and inner harmony over external expectations. For individuals in whom Fi is a dominant or auxiliary function—such as INFP and ISFP (dominant) or ENFP and ESFP (auxiliary) types in the system—this pattern of consciousness manifests as a quiet conviction, a sensitivity to personal values, and a commitment to living in alignment with their inner truth.