Strategic Insights: The Battle of Crecy

摘要

Using the critical thinking model as a conceptual framework, in conjunction with egocentrism and sociocentrism as the two main cognitive frames of reference, this paper explores and analyzes strategic decision making by Edward III, King of England, and Philip VI, King of France, at the Battle of Crecy in 1346. The key facets of the Battle of Crecy this paper examines include a comparison of the rival forces (strategic situation), the English position (deployment of forces), the French approach (employment of forces), and the fight (use of forces and technology). Targeting today's strategic leaders, this paper provides an analysis of the thoughts and resulting actions of Edward III and Philip VI at the Battle of Crecy to provide relevant critical thinking insights overall and specific insights that illuminate how biases impact mental agility, how they anchor strategic decision making, and the importance of bias mitigation.