> ... if a person is predominantly shy and reticent in
> most social situations then we're justified in calling
> them an introvert.
Sure, just understand that you're using the colloquial definition of "introvert" (a synonym for "shy") and not the technical definition, as developed for the Meyers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator:
"People who prefer extraversion draw energy from
action: they tend to act, then reflect, then act
further. If they are inactive, their motivation
tends to decline. To rebuild their energy, extraverts
need breaks from time spent in reflection. Conversely,
those who prefer introversion "expend" energy through
action: they prefer to reflect, then act, then reflect
again. To rebuild their energy, introverts need quiet
time alone, away from activity."
You have these backwards. The definition I gave of introvert is the accepted/technical/actual definition. Myers Briggs use the word introversion to capture a concept that is much wider than introvert. For example it makes claims and assertions about the mechanism of "drawing and rebuilding energy" which is clearly a metaphor, not an actually measurable quantity.
Ok, I'm getting confused then... The article uses the Meyers-Briggs definitions.
I'm struggling to find the definition you're using. For example I found this:
"Introversion is not the same thing as shyness but it is
often mistaken as such by extroverts, who may find it
difficult to relate to introverted tendencies. Introverts
prefer solitary activities over social ones, whereas shy
people (who may be extroverts at heart) avoid social
encounters out of fear." [1]
Yet if I understand you correctly, there is another definition of introversion that equates introversion with shyness. Can you provide a link or expand your explanation?
Awesome, by pointing out that the parent comment possibly intended to say "actual" instead of "technical," you've debunked his entire argument. Congratulations, you win the game.
How do you identify a definition as being "actual"? Why are the Myers-briggs authors the authority on introversion? Many people consider the MBTI to be bunk science, and the term "introvert" has been around for much longer than the MBTI.
EDIT: Also, why does there have to be just one definition anyway?
Don't quote me, but I believe that the term "introvert" was coined by psychologists who were studying personality traits, and they had a very specific meaning in mind.
