Problems with the Science of American Exceptionalism: A Way Forward through Political Theory?

The question of American exceptionalism has perplexed historians and social scientists for a century. Not only does vigorous debate on the causes of American exceptionalism persist, but there is also a vocal segment of scholars that deny the claim outright. This paper seeks to outline the main problems with the manner in which American exceptionalism is usually addressed by examining the claims of some leading social scientists. The paper will show that the widespread confusion is partly due to the comparative posture taken in addressing the question, which cannot appreciate the phenomenon for what it is. Indeed, here there seems to be another instance of the method driving the results. This calls for an alternate method, which is developed in the latter half of the paper with an emphasis on America's heritage of political and religious thought. This new lens opens up the topic to exploration by political theorists, and initial inquiry reveals that the phenomenon of American exceptionalism is as old as the footprints of European colonists on American shores. By showing the special pitfalls of the comparative, scientific approach and suggesting a new way forward through political theory, this paper seeks to begin a conversation that will settle some of the disputes on the question of American exceptionalism and throw others into sharper relief. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]