American Exceptionalism Perhaps one of the most ambiguous creeds to develop concerning the United States is American exceptionalism, a largely controversial ideology both despised and revered by conflicting historians. Enticed by the presence of a mode of thought so unique to the United States, believers in this singular philosophy, such as Seymour Martin Lipset, a professor of public and political affairs, claims that America is "qualitatively different" in origin, individualism, patriotism, and optimism. History professor Ian Tyrrell disagrees and denounces Lipset's aim to "reaffirm" American exceptionalism. He forese