Fourth function

1. Etymology

Fourth function is Sharp’s alternate name for the inferior-function—the least differentiated of the four psychological functions, opposite the superior or primary function.

2. Plain summary

In Jung’s typology the fourth is the inferior: same rational/irrational nature as the superior’s pair-mate (thinking↔feeling; sensation↔intuition), behaving like an autonomous complex, marked by affect, resisting integration, mischievously influencing the superior most of all.

This Index stub is a Pattern A hub: full exposition, examples, lexicon quotes, and stamped concordance sit on inferior-function. Readers landing here should cross immediately.

Examples (exhaustive house list for this Index lemma — common fourth-function motifs named across Jung’s essays and standard Jungian lexica; not a claim that Jung’s CW contains only these):
synonym of inferior-function; opposite superior/primary; same nature class as superior’s pair; autonomous-complex behavior; affect on activation; resists integration; thinker tripped by feeling; sensation blind to intuition; etc. (see parent lemma).

3. Academic elucidation

Hub entry only. Authority and §5 sample: inferior-function. Samuels redirects inferior function to typology.

4. Lexicon

Sharp (1991)

Fourth function. See inferior function.

(Sharp, 1991)

Samuels, Shorter & Plaut (1986) — inferior function redirect:

inferior function See TYPOLOGY.

(Samuels, Shorter, & Plaut, 1986) — see inferior-function and typology.

5. CW concordance — sample, not exhaustive

This term is used to denote the function that lags behind in the process of differentiation. … These functions may properly be called inferior in a psychological but not psychopathological sense, since they are in no way morbid but merely backward as compared with the favoured function.
(Jung, 1921/1971, CW 6, p. 623, ¶763)

Although the inferior function may be conscious as a phenomenon, its true significance nevertheless remains unrecognized. … the inferior function undergoes a regressive development; it reverts to the archaic stage…
(Jung, 1921/1971, CW 6, pp. 623–624, ¶764)

Closer investigation shows with great regularity that, besides the most differentiated function, another, less differentiated function… is constantly present and is a relatively decisive factor… (auxiliary / path toward the inferior).
(Jung, 1921/1971, CW 6, pp. 565–566, ¶¶666–668)

See also: inferior-function; function; typology; auxiliary-function; affect; complex.

References

Jung, C. G. (1971). Psychological types [Definitions / Principal and Auxiliary Functions]. In H. Read, M. Fordham, G. Adler, & W. McGuire (Eds.), The collected works of C. G. Jung (R. F. C. Hull, Trans.) (Vol. 6, pp. 565–566, 623–624, ¶¶666–668, 763–764). Princeton University Press. (Original work published 1921)

Samuels, A., Shorter, B., & Plaut, F. (1986). A critical dictionary of Jungian analysis. Routledge.

Sharp, D. (1991). Jung lexicon: A primer of terms & concepts. Inner City Books.