What is Understanding? | Scott H Young

To understand something means to be able to apply it and various ways. Understanding chess means being able to play well from a variety of different positions. Understanding algebra means solving a wide range of algebra problems.

Experts seem to rely on having many examples in memory to find the correct move.

There are many situations where we can behave flexibly but can't claim to have a deep understanding—for example, teaching someone how to tread water.

Alternatively, we may think that explanation, and not action, is the key principle. For example, the Feynman Technique is an example of a tool that aims at self-explanation as the way to understand something. But, it is not complete, as understanding can always deepen.

We may view understanding as noticing deeper principles - the broad patterns that underlie an issue. Understanding is then a mental process rather than an outward result.

Research shows that novices view physics problems in terms of superficial details (pulleys, inclined planes), but experts view the same problems in terms of principles (conservation of energy, momentum).

Understanding can also be the ability to visualise or simulate what's happening in a concrete problem. 

These kinds of simulations played a vital role in the achievements of Albert Einstein and Richard Feynman.

There is no singular process behind understanding.

• Increased and varied exposure to an idea or skill should help to develop most forms of understanding.
• The flexible action and explanatory ability show some overlap, but there are cases where you could foster one kind but not the other.

Instead of trying to find one way of understanding, we should ask more guided questions about what we want to do with what we learn.