Reasoning with Psychological Type – Chris Argyris – 1983
Reasoning with Psychological Type: A Cultural Examination
Chris Argyris’s Reasoning with Psychological Type examines how individuals, based on their psychological preferences as outlined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), approach reasoning and problem-solving. The work doesn’t focus on the MBTI as a definitive system, but rather uses it as a framework to analyze predictable patterns in how people interpret information, make judgements, and react to differing perspectives. Argyris details how these preferences impact communication styles and the likelihood of constructive dialogue versus escalating conflict. The core of the work lies in illustrating how these differing reasoning processes can lead to misunderstandings and inefficiencies in both personal and professional contexts.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in 1983, this book emerged from the broader mid-20th century interest in personality theory and its application to organizational behavior. The MBTI itself, a derivative of Carl Jung’s work on psychological types (Psychological Types, 1921), gained significant traction in the latter half of the 20th century as a tool for self-awareness and team building. Argyris, a prominent organizational psychologist, brought a critical lens to the application of type theory, not to categorize individuals, but to understand the underlying cognitive and behavioral patterns that shape their interactions. It responded to a growing need to understand interpersonal dynamics within increasingly complex workplaces, and an effort to navigate communication barriers arising from different cognitive approaches.
Who This Book Is For
This work is primarily suited for individuals with an academic or professional interest in psychology, organizational behavior, and communication. It requires a willingness to engage with complex ideas surrounding cognitive processes and interpersonal dynamics. While the MBTI is used as a foundation, the book isn’t a simple “how-to” guide for taking the assessment. Rather, it offers a deeper analysis of the implications of psychological type for reasoning, and is most valuable for those seeking to improve their understanding of cognitive biases and communication effectiveness. Those interested in the broader history of psychological type theory will also find this a useful resource.
Further Reading
- Jung, Carl G. Psychological Types (1921). The foundational work upon which the MBTI is based.
- Myers, Isabel Briggs & Katharine Cook Briggs. Manual: A Guide to the Development and Use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (1962). The original MBTI manual provides a detailed explanation of the instrument and its theoretical underpinnings.
- Irvin Yalom, Existential Psychotherapy (1980). Although differing in scope, Yalom’s work explores the underlying philosophical assumptions that influence human thought and behavior, offering a complementary perspective on the subjective nature of experience.
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