Chapter II. The Dynamics of Nuance Flow: Vector, Channel, and Mode

Humans operate within a Field — a psychical dynamic space in which Cog-Vectors do not exist independently but are always bent by the prevailing direction of energy. This explains my observation: when a dominant Vector persists over time, it does not merely repeat as a habit but gradually establishes a default reference framework for the entire perceptual Field.

In this state, all cognitive channels are placed “under” the same operational direction. If the In-Vector is overwhelming, the Cog-Vectors are collectively pulled toward the subject: perception prioritizes the internal structure, judgment anchors itself to internal norms, while objective reality is only registered if it aligns with the pre-existing structure. The extremity does not lie within any single channel, but in the curvature of the Field within which they are compelled to operate.

The entire framework below is constructed to explain this phenomenon, before it has a chance to manifest as behavior or a personal narrative.

■ Redefining the Frame of Reference: From Behavior to Dynamics

To avoid confusion with concepts from behavioral psychology or social communication (which focus solely on observable expression), we will redefine these terms based on Jung’s original notion of the movement of Libido, but through a more structural lens: Two Vectors that orient the flow of energy.

›Two Vectors that orient the flow of Psychic Energy

• Vector In- (Introversion): Energy drawn toward the subject. The reference frame prioritizes impressions, internal structures, and inner responses before attending to external reality.
• Vector Ad- (Extraversion): Energy directed toward the object. The reference frame prioritizes standards, external reality, and interactions with the outside world.

In other words, this is not a classification of personality, but rather a delineation of the operational orientation of consciousness: Where is your reference framework currently positioned?

›Cognitive Vector Notation: The Language of Nuance

To facilitate the observation of nuances without being confused by behavior labels, we will use a operators composed of two components: [Vectorial Direction] and [Cognitive Channel].

• Initial Letter (I/A): Represents the energy Vector direction (abbreviated from the Latin prefixes: In- for inward-directed, or Ad- for outward-directed).
• The second letter (s/n/t/f): Represents the cognitive channel currently in operation, corresponding to experiential description, conceptual interpretation, logical analysis, and affective evaluation.

In particular, these combinations are chosen to form meaningful English words that accurately reflect the Mode (core operational style) of the operator.

›Observing Cognitive Operators in the Nuance Flow (Is, In, At, Af...)

Inward Flow (Vector In- — Flowing In — Consolidating)

• Is – In-experiential : Directly describing subjective impressions that still linger after an event; Is the quiet presence of the past within the present.
• In – In-conceptual : A descent in (In)to the hidden core to interpret form and recognize the governing patterns underlying all phenomena; driven toward coherence without requiring empirical verification.
• It – In-logical : A stance of radical skepticism, applying logical analysis to dissect things until arriving at the sole internal correctness of itself (It) — a naked logical truth that cannot be shaken by the external world.
• If – In-affective : An internal process of conscience-based evaluation through the question: "If (If) I act this way, do I remain true to myself?"; sustaining an inner moral measure even when it runs counter to social standards.

Outward Flow (Vector Ad- — Flowing Out — Radiating)

• As – Ad-experiential : Taking in reality exactly as (As) it is — raw and unfiltered, directly describing objective experience as it is occurring.
• An – Ad-conceptual : From a single point of origin, tracing movement to perceive one (An) emerging tendency, then another (An) branching path; interpreting conceptual forms as they come into being without requiring a single underlying essence.
• At – Ad-logical : Applying logical analysis based on standards, data, or tools available at (At) the object in order to make decisions without emotional interference.
• Af – Ad-affective : Spontaneously forming a connection (Af-finity) with surrounding value systems; grounding judgment in collective conscience, using shared moral evaluation as the reference for what is appropriate and fitting.

■ Nuance Flow: Phenomenology of Psychic Energy

In this system, I use terms such as Vector, Field, Mode, and State because they most accurately reflect the dynamic nature of energy flow, without being constrained by conventional semantic meanings.

›1. Vector & Field: The Map of Energy Flow

What is a Vector (Direction)?

It is the preferred orientation of energy flow (libido). A Vector does not operate directly, but rather directs the mode of operation.

Field of a Vector (The Mental Energy Atmosphere) — What is it?

It is the distribution of intensity and curvature generated from the interactions of Vectors. The Field answers questions such as: Where is a force dominant? Which boundary is open or closed? Which Mode is allowed to emerge?

The state of Vector Coupling occurs when two vectors, In- and Ad-, "roll" smoothly into each other without conflict, expansion, or extremity.

›Cognitive Channel & Cog-Vector: Mental Processing Units

Cognitive Channel — What is it?

A channel indicates “what” is being processed, but it does not specify the direction of the energy flow.

Cog-Vector Formula (Cognitive Vector)

Cog-Vector = Vector × Cognitive Channel

A Cog-Vector indicates which cognitive capacity is operating in which direction, without specifying its magnitude or state.

›Operational Modes of Cog-Vectors

Mode of a Cog-Vector (Core Operational Style) — What Is It?

This is the characteristic operational style when a Vector activates a Cognitive Channel. Mode describes the essence, not the state. A Mode is neither good nor bad; it merely depicts the manner of movement.

›State of Mode: Reality Variables

State of Mode — What Is It?

It is the specific state of a Mode at a given moment. A Mode can manifest in multiple states:

These are the basic reality variables, acting as typical 'energy fingerprints.' However, keep in mind that the full spectrum of human dynamics is far broader!

■ Hierarchical Structure: From Energy to Manifestation

The movement of a Vector forms a Field → the Field interacts with external conditions, bending the State → the State manifests a Mode → the Mode determines the operational pattern of the Cog-Vector → a Cog-Vector is where a Vector passes through a specific Channel.

Consequently, any feedback from the opposing direction is no longer processed as a natural component of the system, but appears as an extrinsic disruptive force. Conflict and injury do not arise from the content of the feedback itself, but from the Field losing its Harmonic Alignment — a state that allows two energy directions to coexist and mutually adjust within a familiar trajectory. Once this balance collapses, all differences are perceived as collisions.

1. Tier 0: Field of Vector (Psychic Energy Atmosphere)
   The overall energy field generated from the interaction, distribution, and curvature of Vectors (Balanced / Extreme – Encompassing / Interlinked).
   => Sets the operational context.
2. Tier 1: Vector (Direction)
   The preferred direction of psychic energy (Libido) flow: In- (inward, toward the self) / Ad- (outward, toward the object).
   => Determines operational orientation.
3. Tier 2: Cognitive Channel
   The data domains accessed and processed by the mind: S – N – T – F.
   => Determines content of processing.
4. Tier 3: Cog-Vector (Cognitive Vector)
   The basic operational unit formed when a Vector engages a specific Channel (Vector × Cognitive Channel).
   => Core operational mechanism.
5. Tier 4: Mode (Core Operational Style)
   The characteristic and essential manner of movement of a Cog-Vector when processing data.
   => Determines the quality of motion.
6. Tier 5: State (Reality Variable)
   The specific variable state of a Mode at a given moment (such as Intensity strong⟷weak, Rhythm fast⟷slow, Direction constructive⟷destructive).
   => Determines observable manifestation.

I use terms like Mode or Vector not to complicate matters, but to create a toolkit that allows us to see the flow of energy as clearly as possible. I am not a mathematician or a clinician, but an observer of the nuances in motion.

Congratulations on navigating through this “tough bones” part of the system. Now it’s time to temporarily set aside the numbers and symbols and return to ourselves. From this point on, we put aside structure and notation to reconnect with the underlying flow — where cognitive channels remain unnamed, unassigned, and for the most part, drift through the unconscious.