Abstract
Military scholars and historians generally credit the first writing that describes what we now title the principles of war to Sun Tzu, a Chinese general who, in 490 BC, wrote on the art of war. Whilst not adopting the high-sounding term ‘principles’ Sun Tzu described a number of crucial elements that he believed it vital to consider when preparing for, and waging, war. The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road to either safety or ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account, be neglected.’1
All the evolution we know of proceeds from the vague to the definite.
Charles Sanders Peirce
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© 1997 David Evans
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Evans, D. (1997). Evolution of the Principles of War. In: War: A Matter of Principles. RUSI Defence Studies Series. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-25956-4_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-25956-4_2
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-25958-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-25956-4
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