Reading Guide: Sun Tzu's The Art of War
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KSU   -  English 2110/16 & 19   -   Mr. Hagin   -   Spring 2003   -   Revised: 14 February 2003
WLRC
 
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NOTE: We will discuss Machiavelli’s The Prince in class on Tuesday 18 February 2003 and Sun Tzu’s The Art of War on Thursday 20 February 2003.  Please bring your selected book to class on both days.  Both titles reflect on similar ideas, so we can use both days of discussion to refer to both texts, when appropriate.  We will also discuss the impending war with Iraq, so I encourage everyone to review the current crisis so that you may make more thoughtful contributions in class.

1. What are the 5 constant factors that govern the art of war?
 

2. What are the 7 questions that can allow a general to forecast victory or defeat?
 

3. What is all war based on?  Why?
 

4. If victory is a long way off, why should a general not lay siege to a town?
 

5. Why should a general forage off an enemy?
 

6. What are the basic guidelines of effective siege warfare?
 

7. What are the 3 ways that a ruler can bring misfortune onto his army?
 

8. What are some good defensive tactics to remember?
 

9. Why should direct and indirect methods be used together in a war?
 

10. Why should a general simulate false moves by his troops and act in secrecy?

11. Why should military tactics resemble water?
 

12. After plundering a country, why should the spoils be divided amongst the men?
 

13. Why is a soldier’s spirit keenest in the morning?
 

14. What are the 5 dangerous faults that affect a general?
 

15. What are some ways of using the terrain to your advantage?
 

16. How can an army recognize an ambush?  … and weariness in your opponents?
 

17. How do the 6 kinds of terrain affect military tactics?
 

18. How can a general avoid the 6 calamities due to error?
 

19. Should a general always listen to his ruler?  Why or why not?
 

20. What are the 9 varieties of ground?  Which tactics work best in each?
 

21. In which situations will your soldiers fight most fearlessly?
 

22. Why does a skillful military tactician resemble the shuai-jan?
 

23. What advice does Sun Tzu offer when fighting with fire?
 

24. How should spying and espionage be utilized by a general?