병가(兵家)의 전쟁관과 장수의 덕목 연구 - 『司馬法』· 『吳子』· 『尉繚子』· 『六韜』를 중심으로 -

Abstract

The military scholars (兵家) all viewed war as a critical matter involving the life and death of the people and the survival of the state. They were not of an aggressive mindset but rather thought about war carefully, arguing that war should only be waged when absolutely necessary. The claim in the 『尉繚子』 that the purpose of war is "to suppress a chaos filled with rampant violence and stop injustice" reflects the military scholars' belief that war should not be seen merely as a means to gain 'profit'. The military scholars argued that a general should play a role in assisting the ruler not only in warfare and military matters but also in strengthening the state and military through reforms and other means. They believed that a general should educate the people with both moral virtues (文) and strict military discipline and laws (武) in order to raise the morale of the troops and achieve victory in war. This idea is closely related to the fact that, as warfare evolved, a large number of civilians were mobilized for war. The military scholars universally emphasized the importance of benevolence. This fundamentally means that a general should care for and love the soldiers, requiring the general to set an example through personal involvement and shared hardships with the troops. The propriety(禮) refers to having a mindset of self-restraint and humility, not pursuing excessive personal gains, and ensuring that one's words and actions align with the behavioral norms required at the time. Righteousness(義) is directly connected to the proper cause, such as "suppressing a chaos filled with rampant violence" and "restraining cruelty to save the people from danger and disaster," fostering a sense of shame for wrongdoing. Courage(勇) refers not only to bravery but also to the general's ability to maintain clear judgment and make decisive actions in the face of danger or uncertainty. Trust(信) fundamentally means not deceiving others, earning trust, and maintaining mutual confidence. The military scholars emphasizes the role and virtues of commander, supporting the ruler and educating the people in order to realize the concept of 'righteous army' (義兵).