agonism

is concerned with how we deal with irreducible difference.

How should we deal with irreducible difference'.

is concerned with the importance of struggle itself.

Agonism implies a deep respect and concern for the other... indeed, the Greek agon refers most directly to an athletic contest oriented not merely toward victory or defeat, but emphasizing the importance of the struggle itself-a struggle that cannot exist without the opponent. Victory through forfeit or default, or over an unworthy opponent, comes up short compared to a defeat at the hands of a worthy opponent-a defeat that still brings honor. An agonistic discourse will therefore be one marked not merely by conflict but just as importantly, by mutual admiration. (Political theorist Samuel Chambers) [5]'

is concerned with the potential positive aspects of political conflict.

emphasises the potentially positive aspects of certain. . . forms of political conflict

is the idea of opponents who want to annihilate one another. . . To enter the agon, each the mortal enemy of each.

For Adorno, agonism is also about the 'theodicy of conflict' where opponents 'want to annihilate one another. . . to enter the agon, each the mortal enemy of each' . . .

agonism, n.All

agonism