[Ailist] Question about Theoretical / Scientific Basis for the Artistic Representation in AI

[Bruce Elkin]

Hi Cheri, allŠ
One of the difficulties with these kinds of assessments lies  is in the use
of the verb ³to be² to describe them.

I¹m talking about using phrases such as ³I am,² ³s/he is,² and ³they are.²
Using the verb ³to be² in the forms ³is² and ³are² tends to absolutize
aspects of reality and can lead to rigid judgments.

Statements that begin ³It isŠ,²  ³You areŠ,² ³I amŠ,² tend to be dogmatic.
For example, a self-assessment such as ³I am lazy,² is quite different from
one such as ³I don¹t like to work on things that have little meaning to me.²

The first is an absolute judgment.  The second is a description.  Absolutes
make categorical statements about how you are and thus imply that you will
always be that way.  Descriptions state that you act in certain ways under
certain conditions.

When describing current reality, it is best to avoid the verb ³to be² and
its various forms.  Any of us who¹ve taken a parenting course have learned
not to say things like ³You are a good girl, or you are a bad boy² but,
rather, to describe the behaviour we want.  ³I like it when you¹re gentle
with your brother, Susie.² ³Billy, when you hit your sister with your
airplane, it hurts her, and makes me want to take it away from you.²

Similarly, in couples counselling and communications courses, we learn not
to 
make ³you² statements because the you is usually followed by a judgmental
³are,² as in ³You are a liar.²  Instead, we¹re taught to make ³I² statements
such as, ³When you say that you ³always² take out the garbage, I get
confused and feel angry.² Avoiding the verb ³to be² helps us keep current
reality clearer, and makes it easier for us to create the results we want.

So back to MBTI and other such assessments.  When people adopt their 4
letter designation with an ³I am² judgment, it precludes them from making
finer and more fluid distinctions, such as I act as an ABCD in these kinds
of situations, but in those kinds of situations, I act like a DCBA.

Unlike EQ, AQ (adversity quotient), and SQ, which give you scores on current
strengths, which you can then work on to change, the MBTI often seems to be
used more as an explanation of why I do this, or act this way‹or worse, an
excuse.  

Using any assessment that way can preclude inquiry rather than stimulate it.
Mostly I think because of the use of the verb to be -  I amŠ

If we stop using absolute way of describing our assessment, we will be much
more likely to use the assessment as a stepping stone to inquiry and
actions.

Cheers!
Bruce

*********************************************************************
BRUCE ELKIN: Life/Work Renewal Coach & Consultant
        Personal   -   Professional   -   Organizational
 20+ Years   -   International clientele   -   Author 3 Books
   
     Tell me, what will you do with your
             one wild and precious life?
                                        - Mary Oliver
Fr.ee e-Newsletter at
      http://www.bruceelkin.com/newsletter.html
Phone: 250.388.7210   Web: Bruce at BruceElkin.com
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*********************************************************************
BRUCE ELKIN: Life/Work Renewal Coach & Consultant
        Personal   -   Professional   -   Organizational
 20+ Years   -   International clientele   -   Author 3 Books
   
     Tell me, what will you do with your
             one wild and precious life?
                                        - Mary Oliver
Fr.ee e-Newsletter at
      http://www.bruceelkin.com/newsletter.html
Phone: 250.388.7210   Web: Bruce at BruceElkin.com
*******************************************************************