Rehabilitating Jung's Cognitive Function Theory: A Framework for Integration with Contemporary Neuroscience, Artificial Intelligence, and Clinical Practice

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Abstract

Carl Jung's theory of cognitive functions has been marginalized in academic psychology due largely to fundamental distortions introduced by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This theoretical framework proposes a systematic rehabilitation of Jung's original insights through integration with contemporary neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and clinical practice.The central argument demonstrates that MBTI's four-letter typing system, particularly the problematic Judging/Perceiving dimension, represents a theoretical corruption that obscures Jung's sophisticated eight-function framework. We argue that cognitive functions describe underlying information processing preferences that operate as the cognitive architecture generating surface-level behavioral traits measured by models like the Big Five.This rehabilitation effort advances three key contributions: First, a critique of current assessment methods reveals the "self-report paradox"—accurate cognitive function assessment requires the very self-knowledge the theory aims to develop. We propose integrated assessment combining neuroimaging, performance-based evaluation, and AI-powered behavioral analysis. Second, we introduce an "inverted shadow" model wherein each conscious cognitive function corresponds to a specific unconscious counterpart with opposite content and orientation, providing systematic predictions for psychological development and clinical presentation. Third, we demonstrate applications across domains including psychiatric subtyping (showing how conditions like borderline personality disorder manifest differently across cognitive types), AI personality design, and aesthetic analysis.The framework suggests that psychiatric conditions show cognitive function-related variants requiring personalized treatment approaches, while AI systems could achieve more effective human-computer interaction through cognitive function recognition and adaptation. Empirical validation opportunities include neuroimaging studies of function-specific brain networks, longitudinal developmental research, and treatment outcome studies comparing matched versus mismatched therapeutic approaches.This rehabilitation positions cognitive function theory as a complement to, rather than competitor with, existing personality frameworks, offering unique insights into individual differences that could enhance psychological science, clinical practice, and technological design.

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