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University of the People *
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1402
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Philosophy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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docx
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Written Assignment Unit 1
PHIL 1402 – Introduction to Philosophy
University of the People
Introduction:
Sun Tzu, an influential figure in ancient China, is renowned for his military treatise, "The Art of
War." This research paper aims to explore Sun Tzu's views and his presentation of Realism as a
philosophical discipline during his era. The paper begins with a brief biographical paragraph on Sun
Tzu, followed by an overview of the era and culture in which he lived. Subsequently, it delves into
Sun Tzu's philosophical view of Realism, provides examples illustrating his perspective, and
concludes with an evaluation of the validity of his viewpoint in his time and its relevance in the
present day.
Biographical Background:
Sun Tzu, also known as Sun Wu, was a military general, strategist, and philosopher who lived in
ancient China during the Eastern Zhou period. Regrettably, historical details about his life remain
scarce, with conflicting accounts further complicating the matter. According to popular beliefs, Sun
Tzu served as a general in the Wu kingdom during the late Spring and Autumn period (770-476
BCE). His most notable contribution is his military treatise, "The Art of War," which has had a
profound impact on military strategy and philosophy.
The Era and Culture of Ancient China:
Sun Tzu lived during a time of great political turmoil in ancient China. The Eastern Zhou period
witnessed the decline of the Zhou dynasty's central authority, leading to the fragmentation of the
realm into several warring states. This era was characterized by intense military conflicts, power
struggles, and shifting alliances among the various states. The prevalent culture of the time
emphasized the importance of military prowess, strategic thinking, and political maneuvering.
Reasons for Interest in Sun Tzu:
Sun Tzu's enduring relevance and impact on military strategy, philosophy, and leadership make him
an intriguing figure. His ability to distill complex military concepts into concise principles,
combined with his emphasis on adaptability and intelligence gathering, has resonated with
individuals across various domains, including business, politics, and sports. Moreover, the
timelessness of his teachings prompts curiosity about the underlying philosophical foundations that
contributed to his unique perspective.
Sun Tzu's Philosophical View and Examples of Realism:
Sun Tzu's philosophical view can be understood through his espousal of Realism, which emphasizes
practicality, understanding of human nature, and a clear-eyed assessment of the world. He believed
that success in warfare depended on a realistic assessment of one's own capabilities, an accurate
understanding of the enemy, and the exploitation of strategic advantages.
For instance, Sun Tzu advocated the importance of intelligence gathering and information warfare.
He stated, "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred
battles" (Tzu, 1963, p. 9). This exemplifies his realistic approach, which emphasizes the acquisition
and utilization of knowledge for strategic advantage.
Sun Tzu also emphasized the significance of adapting to changing circumstances. He stated, "In
war, the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is
destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory" (Tzu, 1963, p. 10). This illustrates
his understanding of the dynamic nature of warfare and the need for flexibility in strategy.
Validity of Sun Tzu's Viewpoint and its Endurance:
Sun Tzu's viewpoint, rooted in Realism, was valid during his time due to the prevailing culture of
militarism and political instability. His emphasis on adaptability, intelligence gathering, and
strategic thinking offered valuable insights for navigating the complex military and political
landscape of ancient China.
However, the question remains as to whether Sun Tzu's views would remain valid in today's
context. While some aspects of his philosophy continue to resonate, such as the importance of
understanding one's competitors and adapting to changing circumstances, the applicability of his
teachings is contingent upon the cultural and technological context. In a contemporary urban
environment, his military-focused approach may not directly translate to other domains.
Nonetheless, his emphasis on realistic assessment, adaptability, and strategic thinking can still be
valuable in many contexts, including business, negotiation, and leadership.
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Conclusion:
Sun Tzu's philosophical view, as demonstrated in "The Art of War," reflects his espousal of Realism
as a philosophical discipline during ancient China. His emphasis on practicality, understanding of
human nature, and a clear-eyed assessment of the world remains compelling. While his teachings
were valid in his time, their enduring relevance in the present day depends on contextual factors.
However, the underlying principles of Sun Tzu's philosophy, such as adaptability and strategic
thinking, continue to hold value in various domains beyond warfare, making him an enduring and
thought-provoking figure in the realm of philosophy and strategy.
References
Tzu, S. (1963). The Art of War. Translated by S. B. Griffith. Oxford University Press.