Study in Quest of Principles
This concept, first proposed by the ancient philosopher Cheng Yi (1033-1107) and developed by Zhu Xi (1130-1200), originally exhorted people to study things to acquire principles. Later, it was used to describe inquiry of the principles of things.
As a way of thinking, it discusses the relationship between knowledge and application. All things have their own nature and law of development. Only through thorough inquiry of their nature and law can one make good use of them to achieve specific goals. Just like the natural sciences of the modern times, it stresses the importance of seeking truth from facts. The idea offers a basic approach to work and life, and its inheritance and development have effectively promoted progress in science and technology.
格物究理
格物究理由北宋哲学家程颐（1033—1107）提出，南宋哲学家朱熹（1130—1200）继承发展，意为考察事物， 探究事物的道理，后用来表示考察研究事物的规律。
格物究理作为一种思想方法，探讨了认识与实践的关系问题。任何事物都有其固有性质和发展规律，要对相关事物进行详细的调查研究，真正了解其性质和规律，才能加以合理利用从而达到目的。格物究理讲求实事求是，与现代自然科学的精神具有相通之处，它的继承和发展有力促进了科学技术的发展，成为人们生产生活实践中都应遵循的基本方法。
