1. The unity of knowledge and action means that the object conforms to the subject, knowledge refers to scientific knowledge, and action refers to human practice. The unity of knowledge and action does not mean that knowledge is used to annex action. Knowledge is considered to be Action does not annex knowledge with action, thinking that action is knowledge. It was proposed by Wang Yangming, a thinker of the Ming Dynasty. It is said that understanding the truth of things and applying this truth in reality are inseparable. It refers to the epistemological and practical propositions in ancient Chinese philosophy, mainly about moral cultivation and moral practice. Ancient Chinese philosophers believed that it is not only necessary to understand ("know"), but especially to practice ("do"). Only by unifying "knowledge" and "doing" can it be called "good". 2. In the third year of Zhengde reign of Emperor Wuzong of the Ming Dynasty (1508), Wang Shouren, a master of mind science, lectured at Guiyang Civilization Academy and first proposed the theory of the unity of knowledge and action. The so-called "unity of knowledge and action" is not a general relationship between knowledge and practice. "Knowledge" mainly refers to people's moral consciousness and thoughts. "Xing" mainly refers to people's moral practice and practical actions. Therefore, the relationship between knowledge and action refers to the relationship between moral consciousness and moral practice, and also includes the relationship between some thoughts and practical actions. Wang Shouren’s idea of ??“unity of knowledge and action” includes the following two meanings. 1. In knowledge there is action, in action there is knowledge. Wang Shouren believes that knowing and doing are one thing and cannot be divided into "two parts". "Knowledge and practice are two words, said in one effort." From the perspective of moral education, Wang Shouren strongly opposed the disconnect between knowledge and action and "knowing but not doing" in moral education, and prominently attributed all morality to the conscious actions of individuals, which is of positive significance. Because from the perspective of moral education, moral consciousness cannot be separated from moral behavior, and moral behavior cannot be separated from moral consciousness. The two are mutually exclusive and inseparable. Knowledge must be manifested in action, otherwise it cannot be regarded as true knowledge. Moral knowledge and moral awareness must be manifested in moral behavior. If we do not act, it cannot be regarded as true knowledge. Wang Shouren believes that conscience can do everything, and conscious action is knowledge. This is undoubtedly profound. 2. Act with knowledge, knowledge determines action. Wang Shouren said: "Knowledge is the idea of ??action, action is the effort of knowing; knowledge is the beginning of action, action is the completion of knowledge." This means that morality is the guiding ideology of human behavior, and acting in accordance with the requirements of morality is the key to achieving "conscience." Ideological activities generated under moral guidance are the beginning of behavior, and behavior that conforms to the requirements of moral norms is the completion of "conscience." 3. Propose the background Wang Shouren’s theory of the unity of knowledge and action is mainly aimed at Zhu Xue and is opposed to Zhu Xi’s thought. It opposes Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism's "dividing knowledge and action into two tasks, thinking that you must know it first and then be able to do it" and the resulting academic style of emphasizing knowledge over action and "just talking orally". Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, including Lu Jiuyuan, all advocated "knowing first and then doing", dividing knowledge and action into two parts, and believed that knowledge must be understood first and then practiced. Wang Shouren advocated the unity of knowledge and action precisely to save Zhu Xue's deviation. 4. Theoretical analysis Wang Shouren’s theory of the unity of knowledge and action deepens the relationship between the consciousness and practicality of moral consciousness, and overcomes the shortcomings of Zhu Xi’s idea of ??knowledge first and action later, but at the same time it also erases the epistemological component of Zhu Xi’s theory of knowledge and action. Although Wang Shouren's views were conducive to moral cultivation, they ignored the learning of objective knowledge, which caused the shortcomings of later Wang Xue disciples who abandoned their studies willfully. Thinkers in the early Qing Dynasty even attributed the demise of the Ming Dynasty to the shortcomings of Wang Xue. Wang Yangming used thoughts to replace the rational aspect of "action" in this way, asking people to establish a belief and act according to the principle of "goodness" when they first start their mental activities, so as to eliminate unwholesome and evil at the beginning. This is also called " The unity of knowledge and action". Therefore, the "unity of knowledge and action" should be fully understood in order to make a correct evaluation. In addition, there are many things worth learning from Wang Yangming’s educational thoughts: first, determination, diligence, correction, and accountability. "Without determination, nothing can be accomplished in the world. ... Without determination, it is like a boat without a rudder or a horse without a balance, drifting and galloping, where will it end up?" Moreover, determination can promote diligent study. If you are not diligent, you must not be serious about your ambitions. ""Correction" refers to oneself, and "responsibility" refers to urging others to correct their mistakes. This also includes the "admonishment method", which means admonishing the teacher and pointing out mistakes. The second is independent scholarly spirit and ability. The third is to teach students in a step-by-step manner and in accordance with their aptitude. The fourth is to emphasize practice.
These educational ideas are of great reference for today's young people. I hope they will be helpful to you! If you have any questions, please ask again!