Modern Scientific Metaphors of Warfare: Updating the Doctrinal Paradigm

This monograph examines the question can modern metaphors, based on late twentieth century nonlinear scientific thought, better explain concepts described by Clausewitz, using early nineteenth century linear scientific thought. Clausewitz recognized the nonlinearity of warfare, but described it using linear metaphors. Both warfare and science have evolved since Clausewitz. His ideas require review in light of contemporary vanguard scientific nonlinear thought. The monograph examines the military, and philosophical origins of Clausewitz ideas. Next the education and scientific background of Clausewitz are examined. Clausewitzs scientific metaphors friction, uncertainty, chance, culminating point, center of gravity, polarity, and the trinity of three magnets are discussed as vanguard scientific thought. Modern nonlinear theories catastrophe theory, chaos theory, and the double helix are explained and contrasted against the Clausewitzian linear scientific metaphors. The monograph concludes that some current doctrinal concepts need to be reexamined in light of nonlinearity. The paradigm shift which recognized chaos theory requires a reexamination of the linear metaphors used to describe warfare. The current FM 100-5 would be better served exploring and incorporating some modern nonlinear metaphors. Just as Clausewitz sought the most modern scientific knowledge to help explain his ideas, modern doctrine writers must take the same risk. Especially since modern nonlinear thought may be beginning to provide the tools necessary to explain the complexity of warfare.