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