Toward an agonistic model of democracy

This article proposes a new description of the fundamental principles of democracy that allow for conflict, passion and politics. Initially, a critique of the most commonly propagated forms of deliberative democracy is carried out, focusing on the way that they neutralize and reduce political pluralism and abuse the democratic goals of legitimacy and rationality. We then go on to analyze insights belong to Carl Schmitt's understanding of the concept of the political. Finally, the concept of the political is critically appropriated within the realm of a proposal for an agonistic model of democracy in which there is no longer a naturalization of the boundaries of democracy and of the clashes among actors; those who within a democratic society are seen as enemies should take on the role of adversaries that share a set of values and ethical and political principles, the interpretation of which then become the object of dispute.

democracy; pluralism; neutrality; conflict; concept of the political