The Confident vs. Flexible Positions
In Attitudinal Psyche (AP), there are four Positions: Confident, Flexible, Insecure, and Unbothered. Each of these governs an individual’s disposition towards the four Aspects: Volition, Logic, Emotion, and Physics (not necessarily in that order). The Confident and Flexible Positions are Self-positive, meaning that they dispose the individual to view themselves as self-assured and competent regarding the governed Aspect. They differ in two other respects: The Confident Position is Others-negative and Results-oriented whereas the Flexible Position is Others-Positive and Process-oriented.
The Confident Position sees the experience of its Aspect as something the self is good at navigating, but something other people struggle with. Therefore, it wishes to maintain self-sufficiency and independent action. It has a sort of “noblesse oblige” attitude towards others in regard to its Aspect; “I will take care of things for you, because you are incompetent in these matters.” The Confident Position resists discussion or collaboration because of its skepticism towards the value of others’ input. It also very often resists explaining its decisions. Its rationale is highly subjective and intuitive as opposed to something easily articulable in the common parlance. Further, explaining one’s rationale is an admission of the necessity of the other’s assent, which goes against the grain. The Confident Position would simply prefer the submission (or trust) of others and for its results to speak for themselves.
The Flexible Position sees its Aspect as something both the self and others are potentially competent in. Thus its attitude is receptive and concerned with the opinions of others. The continual exchange of information satisfies it. The Flexible Position wants to spark interest in relevant Aspect. It is disposed to provocation, instigation, flirtation, invitation, and play. Because this position is so interactive, it tends to articulate its experiences very objectively and in such a manner that can be commonly understood. If a complex topic is encountered, the Position will nonetheless persist in trying to state and re-state its thesis until the interlocutor seems to comprehend (or else removes themselves).
Confident Position (1st, +/-)
The Confident Position wants to create private goods for its Aspect; products that comprehensively solve specific problems.
1V – Volitional Products. Mastery of a certain subject. Advancement of one’s status. Personal power and accomplishments.
1L – Logical Products. A comprehensive guide. Factually accurate advice. A method that solves the problem most efficiently.
1E – Emotional Products. An authentic portrayal. Insightful relationship advice. Artistic performances.
1F – Physical Products. The most efficient way to use a tool or resources. The best food and drink. The minimum material essentials.
Flexible Position (2nd, +/+)
The Flexible Position wants to create public infrastructure for its Aspect; settings or contexts in which continual exchange takes place.
2V – Volitional Forums. Collaborative goal-setting. Mastermind groups. Entrepreneurial and professional conventions.
2L – Logical Forums. Arenas of debate and argumentation. “Show and tell” knowledge exchange. Scientific and philosophical conventions.
2E – Emotional Forums. Art, culture, and literature clubs. Spaces for emotional discussion and critique. Artistic and Cultural conventions.
2F – Physical Forums. Settings where physical things are sampled, appreciated, and critiqued. Product conventions (food, hobby, fashion, etc.).