Clausewitz and German Idealism: The Influence of G. W. F. Hegel on 'On War'

摘要

This study analyzes the influence of the German idealist philosopher G.W.F. Hegel (1779-1831) on the method and thought of the Prussian military theorist Carl von Clausewitz (1780-1831). The study contends that a complete understanding of the nature of Clausewitz's theory and its implications for the future requires an awareness of its source in German Romantic idealism. Specifically, the study argues that G.W.F. Hegel had a direct influence on the nature of Clausewitz's thought as manifested in 'On War'. The study processes by comparing both the dialectical method of analysis employed by Clausewitz and the substances of his thought concerning the state and war with those of Hegel. The primary analysis is conducted by a comparison of Hegel's thought in his 'Philosophy of Right' (1821) with that of Clausewitz as revealed in On War (1832). The position of Clausewitz in western liberal/democratic thinking about war is problematical when viewed from an hegelian perspective. In both cases the existence of nuclear weapons suggest that Clausewitz's paradigm is not adequate for the future. (sdw)