Unit 7

University of the People
Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 1402-01 AY2025-T1
Written Assignment
Unit 7
Introduction
Wang Yangming, a well-known Chinese philosopher from the Ming Dynasty, created a
distinctive interpretation of Confucianism based on the concept of intrinsic moral knowledge.
His ideas deviated from Zhu Xi's traditional teachings, supporting the idea that everyone is born
with the capacity to choose between good and wrong (Chan, 1963). This viewpoint greatly aligns
with my own thinking, especially the conviction that moral decision-making requires both inner
guidance and personal accountability. In this essay, I will examine the ways in which Wang
Yangming's philosophy both agrees with and deviates from my own worldview and cultural
background. I will also consider some practical applications of his concepts in my day-to-day
activities, such as at work and with my family.
Wang Yangming's Key Ideas
The key concept of Wang Yangming's philosophy is the "unity of knowledge and action" (知行合
一). He argued that true understanding results from active participation in moral activity, rejecting
the notion that knowledge could be isolated from practice (Ivanhoe, 2002). The idea of liangzhi
(良知), or innate moral knowledge, is fundamental to his teachings and holds that everyone is born
with the ability to discriminate between good and evil without the need for outside instruction.
The turbulent socio-political climate of the Ming Dynasty, where Wang felt the necessity for
people to develop their own moral judgment rather than relying on strict, outside ideologies, had
an impact on his revolutionary ideals (Tucker, 2002). His worldview placed a strong emphasis on
self-reflection and mindfulness in day-to-day activities, emphasizing that lived experience—
rather than merely theoretical study—is how moral truths are revealed. This method of
approaching ethics promotes a moral reflection that is both philosophical and practically
applicable.
Comparison of My Personal Philosophy
Since I'm from Myanmar, where Buddhism has a big influence on moral and ethical standards,
Wang Yangming's emphasis on morality at birth and self-awareness speaks to my upbringing.
Similar to this, the Buddhist notion of mindfulness (sati) invites people to critically examine their
deeds and intentions in order to develop an internal moral compass. Wang's personal philosophy
and mine are similar in that we both value personal accountability and the need to make moral
decisions by listening to one's conscience.
However, while Wang Yangming felt that morality was innate, my personal beliefs are
influenced by a variety of cultural, religious, and experiential variables. Having grown up in a
society that has seen political upheaval and civil war, I've come to believe that, even though
everyone has an innate sense of right and wrong, moral development is greatly influenced by
outside factors like education, social norms, and historical background. Unlike Wang's view,
which holds that morality is self-contained, I consider moral development to be an ongoing
process impacted by both inward contemplation and external factors (Ivanhoe, 2002).
Application in Modern Life
I can immediately apply Wang Yangming's theories about the unity of knowledge and action to
my life as a developer, in particular. Professionals in the IT sector must act with moral integrity
and comprehend the possible ramifications of their work, as ethical issues are becoming more
and more important, particularly in light of the development of artificial intelligence. Wang's
ideology serves as a helpful reminder that morality is pointless if it isn't applied to my actions,
especially while creating technology that could have a significant impact on society (Tucker,
2002).
His theories also support a closer fit between my moral principles and day-to-day actions in my
own life. Wang's emphasis on innate knowledge, for instance, is consistent with my approach to
family and community ties in Myanmar, where compassion, duty, and respect are firmly
engrained values. I am reminded that these ideals are expressions of an underlying moral reality
that I must continuously live by, not just cultural relics (Ivanhoe, 2002).
However, Wang Yangming's emphasis on moral judgment based on one's own self-reliance
presents difficulties in a nation like Myanmar that values community agreement above
individualism. I'm constantly navigating the conflict between personal morality and group ethics.
Even though I admire his conviction in the moral agency of the person, I also understand how
important it is to uphold cultural norms and traditions that put the welfare of the group before the
interests of the individual (Tucker, 2002).
Conclusion
The philosophy of Wang Yangming provides insightful understandings of the nature of morality
and the connection between cognition and deed. His belief in intrinsic moral knowledge is
consistent with my idea that people are born with an inner sense of right and wrong, but his
emphasis on self-contained morality is not consistent with my experience, which holds that
moral judgments are greatly influenced by outside forces. Wang's views inspire me to behave in
accordance with my principles in modern life, especially in my profession and personal
relationships, but they also make me think about how to strike a balance between personal
accountability and the welfare of society as a whole. In the end, his ideas push me to include
culture and self-awareness into my moral judgments, providing a framework that is both socially
conscious and introspective.

References
Chan, W.-T. (1963). Instructions for practical living and other Neo-Confucian writings by Wang
Yangming. Columbia University Press.
Ivanhoe, P. J. (2002). Ethics in the Confucian tradition: The thought of Mengzi and Wang
Yangming. Hackett Publishing.
Tucker, J. (2002). The philosophy of Wang Yangming: A fourteenth century Chinese
understanding of good and evil. Oxford University Press.

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University of the People

PHIL 1402-01 AY2025-T1

distinctive interpretation of Confucianism based on the concept of intrinsic moral knowledge.

activities, such as at work and with my family.

Wang Yangming's Key Ideas

self-reflection and mindfulness in day-to-day activities, emphasizing that lived experience—

Comparison of My Personal Philosophy

Wang Yangming's emphasis on morality at birth and self-awareness speaks to my upbringing.

decisions by listening to one's conscience.

influenced by a variety of cultural, religious, and experiential variables. Having grown up in a

which holds that morality is self-contained, I consider moral development to be an ongoing

Application in Modern Life

interests of the individual (Tucker, 2002).

accordance with my principles in modern life, especially in my profession and personal

conscious and introspective.

Yangming. Columbia University Press.

Yangming. Hackett Publishing.

Tucker, J. (2002). The philosophy of Wang Yangming: A fourteenth century Chinese

understanding of good and evil. Oxford University Press.

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