Agonismus

Agonismus is a flexible term used in different disciplines to denote engagement in contest, stimulation, or confrontation. Its common origin lies in the Greek word agon, meaning contest or struggle. In each field, agonismus points to active interaction rather than passive tolerance.

In political theory, agonism describes a framework in which political conflict and dissensus are inherent and potentially constructive features of democracy. Proponents such as Chantal Mouffe argue that liberal consensus can suppress disagreement, while democratic legitimacy arises from ongoing contestation among adversaries who remain committed to shared liberal norms. Agonistic democracy emphasizes the public sphere as a space for contesting ideas, the distinction between adversaries (who oppose views) and enemies (who threaten the basis of the political community), and the design of institutions that manage conflict through fair procedures, minority protections, and open deliberation. Critics warn that unrestrained agonism may deepen polarization or descend into antagonism.

In biology and pharmacology, agonismus refers to the property of a substance to activate a receptor. An agonist binds to a receptor and triggers a biological response. Full agonists produce a maximal response, while partial agonists yield a weaker effect. Endogenous ligands (such as hormones or neurotransmitters) and exogenous drugs can act as agonists. The concept is central to drug design and pharmacodynamics, with distinctions from antagonists, inverse agonists, and allosteric modulators.

Historically, the root agon also appears in contexts of competition in classical literature and sport, reflecting the broad idea of active contest across disciplines.