Can an INTP Have a Preference for Humanities Over Science and Math?

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) identifies the INTP (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving) type as analytical thinkers who have a natural inclination towards logic and problem-solving. Despite this, it is absolutely possible for an INTP to have a preference for humanities over science and math. This article will explore the reasons behind such a preference and how individual interests and experiences play a significant role in shaping one's academic and personal pursuits.

The INTP Personality Type and Preferences

INTPs are often associated with their affinity for analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and a love for complex problem-solving. However, this does not mean that their interests are limited to the sciences. Many INTPs are genuinely drawn to the humanities because they value abstract concepts, critical thinking, and the exploration of complex ideas related to human experience, culture, and philosophy.

INTPs may prefer humanities for several reasons. Firstly, they find discussions about ethics, art, literature, and history more engaging and less rigid than the sciences. These topics offer a deeper level of nuance and exploration. Additionally, INTPs may be drawn to the humanities because they allow for a more flexible and open-minded approach to understanding the world.

Personal Experiences and Preferences

Like any individual, an INTP’s personal interests and experiences play a significant role in shaping their preferences. For example, one INTP, who goes by Alex, shares how their love for humanities emerged:

Yes, an INTP can definitely prefer humanities over science and math. While I do love some science and math subjects such as biology and psychology, I am not a fan of all of them. For instance, chemistry takes a lot of your time and requires the memorization of formulas and theories that I have no interest in memorizing. I’m more interested in how we behave and interact with each other as humans, which is why I am a psychology major.

Alex’s example illustrates how an INTP’s preference for humanities is influenced by their personal interests and experiences, such as a deeper interest in human behavior and interaction rather than the more rigid sciences.

The Role of Extraverted Intuition (Ne) and Introverted Thinking (Ti)

The MBTI also identifies that the INTP’s secondary function, Extraverted Intuition, can lead them to be interested in a wide range of subjects that can be logically applied. This means that an INTP can be interested in fields such as teaching, language learning, and even complex systems within human society.

Absolutely - being INTP does not dictate what you are interested in - only how you approach it. That big secondary Extraverted Intuition Ne leads to an interest in anything Introverted Thinking Ti - pretty much logic in this case - can be applied to. I know a few INTPs who research teaching and language learning for example.

This illustrates that the INTP’s approach to logic and systems can be applied to various subjects, and their interest in the humanities is not a contradiction to their personality type.

The INTP’s Unique Perspective on Human Society

INTPs often have a fascination with understanding the underlying systems and structures that shape human behavior. They are intrigued by the complexities of human interaction, culture, and history. For instance, an INTP named Emma shares her perspective:

I would probably qualify as someone who has a heavier interest in humanities than other sciences. What spurs my interest is the goal of trying to understand the system of human society - how our current systems work, how we got there, how those systems have been used differently, and the disastrous or excellent results of these systems as well as older systems. Individual humans are largely unpredictable, but human society as a whole is largely once you start seeing the undertones behind them. Though as always, this is a tool to peer into the past and the future can be guessed at but can never be fully predicted.

Emma’s comments highlight the INTP’s unique perspective on human society, where they see patterns and systems that others might miss. This drives their interest in understanding and analyzing human behavior and societal structures.

Conclusion

To summarize, while INTPs are often associated with a preference for science and math, it is entirely possible for them to have a strong interest in the humanities. Personal interests, experiences, and the application of their analytical thinking to various subjects all play a role in shaping an INTP’s preferences. The MBTI framework helps us understand that while personality types can influence preferences, individual choices and experiences ultimately guide one's academic and personal pursuits.