Agonistic pluralism recognizes that pluralism entails conflict, but the goal is to constrain the conflict to disagreement between adversaries, not violence between enemies.

Tragic pluralism acknowledges that pluralism will never result in a final harmony, and normalizes discord not only in the process but in the outcome. Discontent is a permanent part of the human condition. Agonism can only reduce discontent, not eliminate it. This, however must not become contentment with discontent — tragic pluralism is commitment to perpetually refreshed agonism.