Metaphysics Cognitive Function Test

The Metaphysics Cognitive Function Test is designed for individuals who find themselves contemplating the deeper nature of reality, self, and existence. Unlike conventional personality assessments, which tend to focus on behavior, preferences, or social orientation, this test delves into the subtle realm of how one orients toward metaphysical truths. It bridges typology and philosophy, offering a fresh perspective on how cognition interacts with our fundamental sense of what is.

Inspired by Carl Jung’s attempt to define a “transcendent function” in his 1921 work Psychological Types, this test takes that unfinished idea and gives it a new form through the metaphysics function (M). While Jung outlined the four functions—thinking, feeling, sensation, and intuition—he hinted at a fifth, unnamed function that would go beyond the psyche’s ordinary modes. Modern typology researcher Ryan Smith picked up that thread, proposing that this fifth function relates to how individuals conceptualize the ultimate structure of reality itself. The result is a model that introduces two variants: Introverted Metaphysics (Mi) and Extroverted Metaphysics (Me).

You don’t have to be a philosopher to benefit from this test. In fact, many people intuitively carry metaphysical assumptions without ever articulating them. This test gives you a vocabulary for those intuitions. Whether you tend to see reality as fixed and unified (Mi) or ever-changing and interconnected (Me), the test helps bring those implicit views into conscious awareness. Understanding your metaphysical function can shed light on why certain philosophies, spiritual paths, or even styles of art resonate with you more than others.

The test itself consists of 20 questions designed to measure your orientation. Ten items reflect the Extroverted Metaphysics style, which emphasizes fluidity, process, and relational existence. The other ten reflect the Introverted Metaphysics perspective, which emphasizes essence, permanence, and transcendent unity. Rather than right or wrong answers, the test simply maps where your intuitions lie. Some people show a strong preference for one side, while others fall somewhere in the middle—suggesting a less defined metaphysical orientation.

This assessment is especially relevant for those interested in Jungian psychology, typology systems like MBTI, and spiritual or philosophical inquiry. It can serve as a springboard for deeper reflection or even discussion with others who are also exploring how cognition shapes metaphysical understanding. While not intended as a clinical or diagnostic tool, it can complement other personality frameworks by adding a layer that touches on belief, worldview, and existential temperament.

In the end, the metaphysics function doesn’t tell you what to believe—it simply helps you see how you believe. Whether you identify with Me, Mi, or remain uncertain, the process of taking the test may lead you to questions and insights that go far beyond typology. After all, how we relate to the nature of reality itself is one of the most personal and profound aspects of who we are.