In modern societies, competition is as ubiquitous as it is controversial. Does this lead to injustice, destabilization, and disintegration or is it a necessary condition for equality, efficiency, and progress? This volume provides a thorough interdisciplinary analysis of phenomena and concepts of economic, social, political, religious and biological competition that integrates the historical, structural, and normative perspectives. The contributions provide starting points for differentiated discussions on competition as a principle of social organization and individual development.