The Information Aspects - Simplified Definitions

The 8 information aspects include four "introverted" and four "extraverted" elements. Extraverted aspects reflect characteristics of reality that exist outside the subject (observer), while introverted aspects reflect characteristics that exist in the mind (psyche) of the subject.

The difference is often subtle, but not impossible to learn. For example, if I see that someone's shirt is plastered in mud, that is a characteristic of external reality. If I feel repulsed at the shirt, that is a characteristic of my internal world. In this case the cause of the repulsion - the filthy shirt - is external and exists regardless of my - the observer's - presence. However, my feeling of repulsion is dependent, of course, on my own presence and participation, and on my perception of the situation.

Here are the 8 elements of information metabolism ("IM elements") with their associated symbols and the alternate names that I prefer (at right):

- Extraverted intuition / potentiality intuition
- Introverted intuition / temporal intuition
- Extraverted sensing / volitional sensing
- Introverted sensing / experiential sensing
- Extraverted logic / algorithmic logic
- Introverted logic / structural logic
- Extraverted ethics / emotive ethics
- Introverted ethics / relational ethics

(These also correspond to the 8 information aspects.)

Intuition and sensing are termed "irrational." These are aspects of reality that one registers on a sort of "gut" level. Sensing refers to perception using the five senses and physiological signals within the body. Intuition refers to perception of intangible things that cannot be seen with the senses.

Extraverted sensing reflects the tangible, external characteristics of things. Introverted sensing reflects internal, physiological sensations that arise when interacting with the tangible world. Extraverted intuition reflects the possibilities and unseen potential in external reality. Introverted intuition reflects the unseen characteristics of the psyche's internal reality.

Logic and ethics are termed "rational" aspects. These are aspects of reality that require rational thinking or an understanding of social expectations to perceive. Logic refers to perception of inanimate things - processes, operations, systems, and logic. Ethics refers to perception of animate things - emotions, external expression, and feelings of like and dislike.

Extraverted logic focuses on the external behavior and operations of objects. Introverted logic focuses on the logic of thought processes, views, and systems. Extraverted ethics focuses on the external emotional interplay of people and animate objects. Introverted ethics focuses on the individual's emotional responses to people, things, and events.

These descriptions are intended only to give a brief glimpse of the information aspects. Understanding comes as a result of relating abstract definitions to real situations.