Carl von Clausewitz - On the theory of war

This post continues with a summary of the second book in Clausewitz's treatise, that deals with the theory of war:

Chapter 1: Classifications of the art of war

• the art of war is the art of using the given means in combat
• the distinction between tactics (the use of armed forces in the engagement) and strategy (the use of engagements for the object of the war)
• classification between combat activities (marches, camps and billets) and maintenance activities (supply, medical services and maintenance of arms and equipment)
• war activities classified in preparations for war and the actual war

Chapter 2: On the theory of war

• the use of intellect in warfare
• the need to create a system of theoretical principles for the conduct of war
• the role of theory is to guide someone who wants to learn about war, not to formulate the actions on the battlefield
• theory studies the nature of ends (victory) and means (the fighting forces)

Chapter 3: Art of war or science of war

• war is neither an art nor a science, but a clash of interests in the humans' social existence

Chapter 4: Method and routine

• a method or ‘mode of procedure’, is a constantly recurring procedure that has been selected from several possibilities.
• routines represent a general way of executing tasks as they arise based on average probability.
• constant practice leads to brisk, precise, and reliable leadership
• routine is better suited for tactics than for strategy
• a certain amount of subjectivity that reflects the personality of the commander exists in his actions. That style may not suit those who copy it

Chapter 5: Critical analysis

• critical analysis = the application of theoretical truths to actual events
• 3 steps in critical approach: 1) the discovery and interpretation of equivocal facts (historical research); 2) tracing effects back to their causes (critical analysis proper); 3) investigating and evaluating the means employed (criticism)
• A critical inquiry––the examination of the means––poses the question as to what are the peculiar effects of the means employed, and whether these effects conform to the intention with which they were used.
• a critic should analyze the reasons why an exception occurred

Chapter 6: On historical examples

• historical examples provide the best proof in empirical sciences. They can be used as an explanation of an idea to show the application of an idea, to prove the possibility of a phenomenon or effect, or to deduce a doctrine

Source(s):

On War