Psychological Type Descriptions:
INTP
Description:
If anyone has ever completely thought through a problem, it was probably
an INTP. Extremely rare, roughly 1% of the population, INTPs are unusually
logical and precise in their thinking. They will often argue points of
logical inconsistency that seem inconsequential to any other type. Their
most prized attribute in both friends and themselves is intellect. On the
outside, INTPs may appear quiet, distant, and reserved, but on the inside
they are usually quite active in thinking through every possible way to deal
with a problem. Trying to convince an INTP to change her or his mind with
anything other than a logical argument is normally futile. INTPs usually
love a challenge--viewing it as new ground on which to exercise their
considerable analytic skills. Actually, most INTPs can't help but analyze
any procedure or system they encounter to find ways of improving it.
Interestingly, INTPs are actually extremely easy going most of the
time--becoming rigid only when they encounter something that strikes
them as illogical or inefficient.
Potential Blindspots:
As with any type, INTPs can encounter problems in certain areas.
Their drive for precision in logic and language can drive most other
types crazy. INTPs may become so fixated on a tiny point of imprecision
that they lose sight of the larger system. INTPs are also almost uniformly
very hard on themselves, holding themselves to a perfect standard of
understanding that is not actually possible. Often seeking feedback from
a trusted other of a different type can be a good way of gaining a more
balanced understanding of the INTP's talents. Since they are quite capable
of seeing both sides of an argument, INTPs may argue with someone to help
convince themselves of one point of view or the other. INTPs are not
particularly interested in finishing anything and are therefore sometimes
lax on mundane details that are necessary. Finally, INTPs have a tendency
to notice flaws in the world without a complementary tendency to notice
what is right and good in the world--leaving them more likely to criticize
than compliment.
Possible Careers to Consider:
- College Professor
- Computer Software Design
- Data Base Manager
- Mathematician
- Plastic Surgeon
- Computer Programmer
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- Systems Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Lawyer
- Economist
- Neurologist
- Performing Artist
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- Historian/Archeologist
- Psychologist/Psychoanalyst
- Photographer/Artist
- Pharmacist
- Chemist/Biologist/Physicist
- Inventor
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Return to the Personality Type Descriptions list.
Last updated: 1 October 2002
Maintained by: John
W. Hall, PhD - john@drjohnhall.com
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