The unity of knowledge and action (Chinese: 知行合一) is a concept in philosophy created by Wang Yangming. It means that knowledge and action should go together and help each other. This idea says that only by behaving well can someone become wise.[1] It is similar to the Western idea called virtue epistemology.
In Chinese philosophy, knowledge and action were traditionally seen as related but distinct. Wang argued there was no difference between them. He thought that knowledge was knowing how to act in a situation, based on his ideas about people and their innate knowledge. He also believed that the world was always changing, rather than staying the same, which is similar to the Western idea of process philosophy.
Wang Yangming developed the concept during the Ming dynasty.[2] [3] in response to a disagreement with the teachings of Zhu Xi.
Wang Yangming disagreed with the teachings of Zhu Xi. Zhu Xi encouraged students to study in two parts, one theoretical and one practical. Wang believed this approach made people ineffective.[4]
Western philosophers talk about akrasia, which is when someone does something they know is wrong on purpose. But Wang disagrees. He says that just saying you know something is wrong isn't enough. You have to actually act on what you know for it to count. For example, if a student cheats on a test but says cheating is wrong, Wang would say they don't really understand what they're saying.
The idea of combining knowledge and action is not exclusive to Chinese philosophy. Similar ideas can be found in Western literature. Hermann Hesse in his novel Demian writes that only the thoughts we put into action have real value.[5] The motto of MIT, "Mens et Manus" or "Mind and Hand," also emphasizes the importance of combining inner knowledge with actions.[6]
The idea of virtue Epistemology in contemporary Western philosophy also shares similarities with Wang Yangming's concept of the Unity of Knowledge and Action. Both emphasize the importance of practical wisdom and the integration of knowledge and action.