Scott defends the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator as a useful, if unscientific, tool for categorizing personalities, comparing it to European country classifications.
Longer summary
Scott Alexander argues that the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), while not scientifically rigorous, is still a useful tool for categorizing personalities. He compares MBTI to European country classifications, suggesting that both are imperfect but practical ways of grouping complex information. Scott contrasts MBTI with the more scientific Five-Factor Model, explaining that they serve different purposes: Five-Factor aims for objective research, while MBTI creates easily understood categories for human processing. He suggests that criticisms of MBTI's lack of scientific basis miss its practical utility in providing relatable personality descriptions.
Shorter summary