Etos polskiego hetmana na kartach rodzimych traktatów teoretycznych XVI wieku

The author of this text proves that it is possible to reconstruct the hetman ethos on the basis of a group of sources such as works on topics related to the military. The form of the ethos is also justified by extra-source materials, which may be regarded as confirmation of its real value in research into the moral issues of the Polish nobility in the 16th century. The author submits this proposal for further discussion and possible revision. It is recommended to carry out in-depth research into the hetman ethos where other types of sources are employed, which may prove to be no less authoritative. The knowledge of the hetman ethos, also as an example of research into the world of values and the moral side of human activity in history, can be used in assessing the moral-ethical aspect of other social groups or professions, not necessarily related to the military. However, scholarly endeavours based on an analysis of all kinds of activities of Polish commanders in the First Republic using the hetman ethos will prove extremely important. In the course of the research, the emergence of new interpretations and assessments of issues may be expected, issues which to this day remain incomprehensible or seem to have been exhausted by research.