Where conflict is merely a means determined by a superior purpose, there is no reason not to restrict or even avoid it, provided it can be replaced by other measures which have the same promise of success. Where, on the other hand, it is exclusively determined by subjective feelings, where there are inner energies which can be satisfied only through fight, its substitution by other means is impossible; it is its own purpose and content and hence wholly free from the admixture of other forms of relation.

DEFINE: Distinguishes instrumental conflict (means to a superior purpose) from expressive conflict (its own purpose and content, driven by inner energies).

Georg Simmel, on individuality and social…, loc. 298