From Sun Tzu to Clausewitz Understandings of War

The Art and Science of War

War is as much an art as it is a science. There is in fact a science to art. Mathematical certitude, line, color, shape, the use of space, the logic of the mind—it is all there in any artistic endeavor. One must understand the laws of physics and how the eye apprehends beauty to create marvels of architecture like the dome of St. Peter’s. War is no less a science or an art. The science of war is found in the way one must strategize and calculate according to logistics, resources, support, and knowledge of the enemy. Its art is found in the way one must be flexible, able to adapt at a moment’s notice, able to interpret the mission command and implement the spirit even if the objective must change on the fly. The art of war and the science of war must find alignment—but too much science and not enough art could lead one to failure, just as too much art and not enough science could as well.

The art of war incorporates philosophy, knowledge of human nature, knowledge of the role that diplomacy plays in war, knowledge and skilled use of soft power and hard power—all of it contributes to the art of war. Sun Tzu and Clausewitz are equals when it comes to the great library of war knowledge—yet they are not the same in terms of focus or scope. Sun Tzu emphasized the importance of understanding one’s enemy and allowing one’s enemy to beat himself. His “Art of War” is full of useful and insightful maxims that highlight the psychology of military strategy. Clausewitz, on the other hand, highlighted the uncertainty of combat, the fog of war, the inscrutability of the engagement and its various levels. Both wrote about war as an art. The art of war is in understanding all aspects of war, the depths of warfare, the nuance of war, the limitations and consequences of war.

The science of war is more exact, more precise, more practical in terms of things like numbers, supply lines, logistical support, weapons, air support, sea support, technical ability, and so on. It is a science in the sense that one can make reasonable guesses about outcomes by gaming them out, given certain numbers, statistics, and expectations based on reasonable premises and logical surmises.

But because there are so many different styles and types of war, so many variables and factors that must be considered in the planning of strategy or in the setting of expectations, it is impossible to liken it to a purely technical science. Anything in which human beings play a major part must always be considered as an art—from the making of music to the making of war. At the same time, humans are capable of applying themselves in scientific ways, by asking questions, gathering evidence, assessing the evidence, and testing hypotheses. Indeed, this is also true of war: from weapons advancements such as progression from ancient catapults to today’s hypersonic missiles and drone warfare, to psychological warfare and economic warfare, progression and advancement in tactics and application of pressure has as much science behind it in terms of technical understanding and skill as it does art in terms of application and realizing how things will play out. As in any scientific inquiry or artistic endeavor, however, there is always more room for greater understanding and knowledge of the factors and variables that can go into what affects outcomes. That is as true for war as for anything else.