Philosophy of Military Sciences

This chapter systematically explores the philosophical underpinnings of Military Sciences, integrating ontology, epistemology, teleology, and methodology as philosophical concepts to enrich the theoretical and practical understanding of the field. The search begins by looking into the essence and existence of that which we take to be military entities, actions, or ideas (the ontological perspective). Then it goes on to explore the nature of military knowledge, how it is justified, what are its sources, and its scope (the epistemological perspective). The exploration then progresses to address the deeper purposes and ends of military endeavors so as to better recognize and contemplate the influence of the military’s continuous evolving roles and objectives on its research (the teleological perspective). Thereafter, the chapter probes the pursuit of military knowledge as a constantly ongoing dialogue between the researcher, the phenomenon, and the theoretical frameworks (the methodological perspective). The exploration ends with a reflection on some of the implications these examinations call for in the field of Military Sciences. In sum, the presentation brings visibility to the study of the Military as a complex and ever-evolving enterprise, honoring its multidisciplinary mode.