胡五峰作為兩宋動亂之際的理學家,十分強調經世致用的為學旨趣,頗為重視儒學外王一面的開拓。他秉持「德業雙修,倫制共舉」的外王之道,既主張以德治為本、明體(知天道、識仁心)為基,又力倡制度的建構與實業的興辦,從而以「體用並行」為經世大法。而這一慧識與其對內聖、外王之分際的洞察,以及二者相依互成之辯證關係的明識密不可分。並且,五峰之外王學建構及其對內聖與外王關係的處理,貫穿著「體用合一,未嘗偏也」之理念。該理念肯認德、政之別並注重二者的辯證融合。由此或可回應古今學林對宋明儒空談心性的批評,並顯明傳統儒學視域中德、政關係的互動性、豐富性與複雜性。
Wufeng Hu, a Neo-Confucian in the turbulent Song Dynasty, emphasizes that Jing Shi Zhi Yong is the fundamental purpose of Confucianism. Therefore, He pays much attention to the construction of the thoughts of both Nei Sheng and Wai Wang. In terms of Wai Wang, Wufeng Hu not only attaches importance to the basic role of morality, but also lays emphasis on the development of system and professions, which is considered by him as "Ti and Yong advancing side by side". This view is based on his profound understanding of the differences and dialectical relation of Nei Sheng and Wai Wang. Besides, his above viewpoints are permeated with the common idea that Ti and Yong are mutually dependent and interactive so that they both should be taken seriously, which shows clearly the distinctions and interaction between morality and politics. So it is probable to respond to the criticism made by some scholars that most Neo-Confucians in the Song and Ming Dynasty just engage in idle theorizing, and to reveal the interactivity, richness and complexity of the relationship between morality and politics in traditional Confucianism by Wufeng Hu's wisdom.