The Military Thinking And Contemporary Values Of Sima's Art Of War

Sima's Art of War, as an unintegrated part of military theories of Qi State, holds an important position in the Chinese military history and has a great influence on the shape and development of the Chinese military thinking. The thesis discusses the accomplishment, versions and military perspectives of Sima's Art of War, attaching great importance to its essence and its guidelines for today's military theories.Chapter One studies the author, the accomplishment and versions. Sima's Art of War consists of three parts: the ancient Sima's Art of War, Sima Rangju's Art of War and the officials' academic accomplishments of Qi State. It has been studied from generations to generations although most part of it has been lost.Chapter Two deals with the origin and development of Sima's Art of War through the features of Qi culture. In this chapter, the latest perspectives of the academic circles has been absorbed and the four elements of the accomplishment of the book have been concluded. They are the open-mindedness of Qi culture, the drastic social changes, the annexing wars among the nations and finally, the free academic environment of Qi State.In Chapter Three, the perspective of war of the book is discussed. Firstly, Sima's Art of War believes that a nation should have a dialectical attitude towards war. It is very dangerous to neglect the war or be warlike. Secondly, War is the extension of politics. Finally, war is very destructive to the social, political and economical order. It displays nothing but violence and cruelty.In Chapter Four, the military thoughts of the book have been discussed. They are drawing a distinctive line between the administration of nation and army, prudent attitude towards war, attaching great importance to war, sharing sufferings and happiness with allies, weighing the pros and cons carefully, and taking actions according to the enemy's reactions.Chapter Five makes a general comparison between Sunzi's Art of War and Sima's Art of War. Sun Wu criticizes the purpose of war, benevolence and some of tactics of Sima's Art of War. In addition, Sun Wu inherits and develops the following thoughts of Sima's Art of War. First, prudent attitude towards war and attaching great importance to war. Second, taking actions according to the enemy's reactions. Third, keeping clear of the enemy's main force and strike at his weak points. Finally, being creative in tactics.Chapter Six concentrates on contemporary values of the book. Firstly, the present information technology can only change the features of fighting instead of the nature of the war. War, as it is, is still a tool of politics. Secondly, computerized war changes only the ways of the war instead of its violent and cruel nature. Thirdly, fighting to stop fighting is an effective way to keep peace except the political and economical ways. Fourthly, China should strengthen international cooperations, improve comprehensive national power and help to establish a rational and impartial new international political and economical order. Finally, due to the important role of weapons, we should adapt the variety and balancing strategies of weaponry development in order to have the initiative while facing the danger of war.The thesis attempts to discuss the military thinking of Sima's Art of War alone with the contemporary military theories. However, owing to the limited theoretical capability of the writer, all the analyses and arguments are initial, which need further research.