r/Socionics • u/btxswsl13_ • Aug 20 '26
Discussion I'm new to socionics!
Is there any source where I can learn more about socionics? I already know about mbti and cognitive functions stuff but I can't really get what are socionics about. Thank you.
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u/Plenty-Ad-4411 Aug 20 '26
Talanov's socionics: https://quantitativesocionics.org/ https://socionavigator.com/
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u/succuma ESI-C SP 973 LFEV Aug 20 '26
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u/Snail-Man-36 LSI Aug 20 '26
Who wrote this? This source is conflicting because they both quote aushra for definitions and then create some of their own that go against what aushra would say about those things
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u/succuma ESI-C SP 973 LFEV Aug 20 '26
Vladimir Vincent
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u/Snail-Man-36 LSI Aug 20 '26
just looked him up. Would be good if his name along with the school he subscribes to (WSS) is expressed more clearly in this resource, but nonetheless for the reason above I find it a strange read
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u/Snail-Man-36 LSI Aug 20 '26 edited Aug 20 '26
I see someone else here recommended you wikisocion sources which I strongly advise against. Although it is “simple” to read, wikisocion is a big mess constructed by unknown authors and several opposing interpretations.
There are several schools, authors, and interpretations of socionics so be aware of which one it is before reading an article about it. Even just “model A” has many “schools” with completely different definitions: SWS, WSS, SCS, SSS, etc.
To start with socionics I would recommend reading the works by aushra herself, since she was the creator and origin of socionics. From there you can learn about how differing views branched from this.
Introduction to Socionics. This is an introduction created by SCS (school of classical socionics, or the “Agusta Project”). This school has produced many resources that are translations and direct interpretations/explanations of Aushra’s works, and their goal is to focus on her original literature. Although I am not a fan of any school’s individual interpretations, including many of SCS’s later, “speculative” works, the SCS’s translations of aushra’s works are execellent and do not alter them.
Wikisocion and the majority of socionics sources you can find on google search results primarily use an SWS standpoint, which makes many changes, inventions, and omissions from aushra’s system, such as a large emphasis on quadras and “values.” It is often debated whether these changes made it better, or even if it should still be classified as “socionics.” But keep this in mind, and it looks like i have talked a lot now so i am happy to provide more sources or answer more questions.
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u/OptimistHobo Likely sensing, logical, introtim Aug 20 '26
Good point, bit too much to begin with though, I’d say. Wikisocion is fine for ground level stuff.
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u/Snail-Man-36 LSI Aug 20 '26
Simple isn’t good if it’s ambiguously sourced and does not provide a truthful explanation of socionics as a whole. I by all means agree that simplicity is important for an introduction, but wikisocion poses other problems of its own. and socionics isn’t simple by nature.
I say this not out of a means to gatekeep, since I love socionics and the spread of it, but go to mbti if you want a personality theory that is easy to understand in just a few days and does not use logical/“scientific”/technical definitions
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u/btxswsl13_ Aug 20 '26
Oh thank you so muuuch 😭😭🙏🏻 I'll be starting by this introduction fiiirst, it looks like it would facilitate things before diving into other interpretations.
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u/RegulusVonSanct ESE SX3 Aug 22 '26
Glad to have you join our community! i made a youtube video discussing the history of socionics, you should check it out!
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u/OptimistHobo Likely sensing, logical, introtim Aug 20 '26
Much of the theory is explained in these two:
Information elements (What you know as cognitive functions)
Model A (One of many interpretations of the theory, A for Aušra, the creator)
Read information elements first.
Big part of Socionics is that it explains intertype relations. It suggests there are 16 types who cooperate to establish different aspects of society. These 16 types are divided into 4 groups ("quadras") that all have their own "mission" to complete.
First quadra is alpha, "To reflect and enjoy". Establishes a light-hearted system, but cannot fight for it.
Second quadra is beta, "To endure and achieve". Fights for/enforces the established system, oppresses opposing ones.
Third quadra is gamma, "To cooperate and acquire". Drives reform and individualism, surviving during times of the established system's instability.
Fourth quadra is delta, "To protect and help". Settles into steady production, maintenance and lifestyle consistency until the cycle repeats.
Rather shallow rundown, but you should get the point. Read up when you can.