In preparing for my EE, I’ve had a bit of success. Firstly, I’ve prioritised discovering contemporary ideologies pertinent to my research topic, and finding direct quotes as well as thinkers to support them. I thus have a solid understanding of the progression of war philosophy in the period preceding the french revolution. However, I’ve realised that my method is incomplete. In compiling information, my final objective has become confused; what did I want to know? Talking to my supervisor, I’ve realised I need to ground my research in some objectivity. I must now evaluate the prominence of these theories; how influential were they really? Did they really have such profound effects? Perhaps most importantly, were they independently the cause of total war, or were they convenient legitimising excuses used by political figures? Going forward, I must put into question the use and validity of my research, rather than listing facts I’ve come across.