Book II, On the Theory of War, Chapters IV-VI Summary and Analysis

Chapter IV explains the conception of method that Clausewitz employs. To develop a method of war we must utilize the concept of a law, which is a motive of action that is a command or prohibition. A Principle has less formal definite meaning and shares the spirit and sense of law. When a principle is subjective it is called a maxim. Rules have more freedom of application than law. There are also directions and modes of action. Methodicism is what is determined by method instead of principles and prescriptions. It is founded on average probabilities of cases. The complex phenomena of war are more appropriately understood by method rather than law, such as a generalization to not use cavalry against unbroken infantry. Method also brings...