The second quadra I will be looking at is Gamma. This quadra includes the types LIE, ILI, ESI, and SEE. In many ways, Gamma is the exact opposite quadra of Alpha. They value the elements R (relations), F (force), P (pragmatism), and T (time).
Gammas share valued P blocked with T. This leads to a preference for pragmatic logic over systematic logic. These are the types most likely to define knowledge as the accumulation of factual knowledge. Accumulating knowledge is important because knowledge is power. Gamma types believes that the power of knowledge allows them to change their environment. In other words, knowledge is valuable because it is useful. The Philosopher Aristotle (LIE) is a good example of this approach to knowledge. He took back philosophy from the elitism of Plato, and made it more practical for regular people.
Pragmatism works in combination with the intuition of time. Gamma types place importance on knowing how trends develop over time. Time refers to both the past and future. American novelist William Faulkner (LIE) focused primarily on the past, but this is hardly true for all LIEs (let alone all gamma types). With valued T, gammas also focus on the purpose of actions. They desire an ultimate purpose behind their actions, even if that purpose is far in the future.
So far, I’ve painted a picture of gamma types being mostly impersonal. Truthfully though, gammas are typically very relational driven. What is my relationship with this individual, and how should my behavior change based off our relationship? The concept of determining trust based off eye contact is very R valuing. Loyalty becomes an important virtue under the value of relations. That does not mean other types are not loyal, but that loyalty naturally becomes a virtue based off the Ethics of Relations.
The Ethics of Relations is the moral center of the gamma quadra. The principle behind this moral law (if you can even call it a law) is that you should always treat someone in accordance to your relationship with them. This means that R valuing ethics obtain its value from its effects on external relationships, instead of possesing intrinsic value such as with L valuing ethics. An R valuing type struggles more with lying to a friend than lying to a complete stranger. The problem isn’t with lying itself, but with mistreating a friend.
The final value that gamma types share is that of F (force). F valuing types are concerned about the impact they have on the environment. This socionics element corresponds well with Fredrich Nietzsche’s concept of the Will to Power. Conflict is embraced as a pragmatic good in the gamma quadra. The value of F can manifest itself both through physical strength, and indirectly through a desire for influence. Director Quentin Tarantino is known for including scenes of extreme violence in his films, despite knowing that they make some viewers feel uncomfortable. This is consistent with F values, and contrary to S values.
The combination of F and R leads to a forceful approach to ethics. Strict punishment can follow a breach in the Ethics of Relations. In literature, revenge is a common gamma theme. Stories involving revenge are often personal and full of violence. In other words, the perfect combination of F and R.
The value of F alongside the value of T explains the idea of gammas being a world rejecting quadra. Some people mistakenly believe that Gamma types always fight for the establishment in comparison to the more revolutionary beta quadra. While any type can support a revolution, this is especially true for gamma types. Shaking up the system is often important for gammas in its own right, even beyond setting up any sort of future utopia.
As we look closer to the individual types in the gamma quadra, it becomes clear that they manifest differently from each other based off their strengths and weaknesses. An ESI may have easier time relating to the section about valued R, than LIE. The reverse is true for valued P. These differences actually create a stronger gamma society overall. This is best seen through the demonstrative function, which acts as a pseudo-valued function.
LIE: LIE’s have I8 (ideas). They are capable of finding news inventive ways to accomplish their goals. This also allows LIEs to see potential in something seemingly unimportant, and develop it in order to create lasting value for the gamma society. Ex: Queen Elizabeth 1
ILI: ILIs have L8 (laws). L8 is why ILIs are often given the nickname “the critic.” Through this function, ILIs provide the more pragmatic gamma quadra with some of the benefits of systematic logic. Ex: Emily Bronte
SEE: SEEs have E8. Because of this element, SEEs easily manipulate the emotional atmosphere. The SEEs ability to emotionally energize a crowd is useful in accomplish goals either for the SEE personally, or the gamma society as a whole. Ex: Elvis Presley
ESI: ESIs have S8. This function gives ESIs a greater understanding of their own need for comfort, along with increasing their observational skills. Furthermore, ESIs understand internal effects of sensory elements, such as good food and exercise. Ex: George Washington
Psychoanalysis Files 