In this unit we put forward the core epistemological principles required for all scientific presentations on Carl Jung’s theory of decision-making. Whoever claims to present or demonstrate Jung’s theory must comply with all these principles. They were introduced in unit 20 in our summary of intuition. These principles are also not limited to only the classification of the basic functions of mental orientation. They are essential requirements for the interpretation of Jung’s work from 1913 onwards. In this unit we elaborate further on their wider implications.

SELF-REPRESENTATIONS

One of Carl Jung’s epistemological principles for his scientific exploration of the human psyche is the obtaining of individuals’ self-representations to serve as the material for investigation and classification. Furthermore, the material must be relevant to the problem under investigation. 

For example, in order to analyse and classify Christopher Hitchens’ decision-making function, his self-representations should be appropriate and relevant. It should consist of material in which he is engaged in a problem relevant to him, in a matter or area of keen interest for him with reference to domains in which he is most capable, knowledgeable and decisive, and one in which he clearly portrays his standpoint. Our empirical demonstration of Christopher Hitchens’ intuition fully meets these requirements.

The use of questionnaires is completely disregarded in Jung’s classification of the decision-making functions. Answers to artificially set questions do not involve the complex mental processes related to decision-making and consequently do not provide the relevant material needed for classification.

THINKING AS JUNG’S POINT OF VIEW

Another core epistemological principle in Jung’s analytical psychology is based on his discovery of different decision-making functions. This principle requires that we investigate and judge the psychological theories of individuals according to the characteristics of their dominant decision-making function. Jung clearly indicated his own way of decision-making as thinking. Thinking is the psychological function that enables objective empirical science, including the discipline of scientific psychology. This principle compels us to investigate Jung’s work on the problem of decision-making as an expression of his directed thinking. The individual who views Jung’s theory of decision-making incorrectly as an expression of directed intuition, has thereby stepped outside the boundaries of Jung’s epistemological framework for his analytical psychology.  

TERMINOLOGY

The metaphor of modern science is precision concepts and definite terminology. Jung’s thinking orientation readily shows up in the precision of his psychological concepts and use of unambiguous terminology. Whoever claims to present Jung’s theory of psychological types is compelled to adhere to his concepts, unaltered and without modification. Any tampering with his conceptions serves as a single point failure for the objective presentation or demonstration of Jung’s work on decision-making.   

CONCLUSION

The principles outlined above are the minimal epistemological requirements for a valid and verifiable presentation of Carl Jung’s work on decision-making. Individuals who present Jung’s theory of psychological types are bound by the principle of self-representation, the principle of thinking and by Jung’s definition of concepts. All three requirements are presented and demonstrated empirically in our classification of Christopher Hitchens’ directed intuition. 

At this point, we must also mention the fact that Jung developed an extremely differentiated and extensive epistemology for his analytical psychology that enables a scientific investigation of human consciousness as well as that psychic area at the edge or fringe of consciousness.  

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