American Education System: Absolutism vs. Relativism
A Quick Guide to American Academia
This week we’re continuing with our series focusing on things I’ve learned on my education journey that I wish all international students knew on the front end. I’ve divided them up into 5 sections:
Absolutism vs. Relativism (spoiler: America is pretty relativist)
Self-Advocacy
Plagiarism
Peer Relationships & Networking
Absolutism vs. Relativism
In very loose terms, absolutism is the idea that there is one truth, and it is true to the exclusion of all other ideas. Relativism is the idea that there is no one truth, but there are many concepts/perspectives that can be true at the same time. Although some of the sciences are absolutist, most of the American academic system functions on relativism. This means two things.
First, when teaching, many professors will give you multiple perspectives on the same idea and let you decide where you lean. This can be frustrating to someone from a culture where the professor knows/decides what the facts are and only teaches those to the students.
Second, many times if you ask a question, instructors may answer by giving multiple options, inviting students to give multiple perspectives, but without ultimately concluding what the “correct” answer is. Important note: A lot of American society functions this way, including discussion of politics and religion. So, though you may hold some things to be absolutely true, others may believe those same things to be relatively true or just true for you (hence phrases like “Speak your truth”).
You don’t have to believe everything is relativistic to function in American society, but you do need to learn to communicate effectively with those who do.
NICOLE CHIKUNGWA • ZIMBABWE
Nicole has lived in Arkansas and Tennessee and is now toiling for a PhD in Clinical Psychology in California. She is an avid reader, she knits recreationally, and she sings (mediocrely) for fun. Nicole is in her element during long conversations and extended periods of solitude, but she can party like the best of them if the occasion calls for it.
