What should I do if my professor does not tolerate opposing thoughts?

Good question Jeffrey!

There is a saying, which is "pick your battles." If the class is a general class, as opposed to one in your major, it's probably not worth arguing about. If it is in your major, and you try to make an issue of it, you will likely have to deal with this professor in subsequent classes. You will probably not find support from your fellow students, as, at least in my recent experience, they are not interested in conflict. They simply want to finish their classes and get their degrees.

I think a lot also depends on what "viewpoints" you are referring to. If he thinks FDR was a great president, and you think he ushered in Socialism, I'd probably let that one go. But if he is "preaching" that homosexuality is a sin, and you do not agree, you can try doing something about it. However, before you decide what to do, ask yourself what it is you are trying to accomplish. This is a very important first step!!

You can talk to him privately. That probably won't work. You can talk to the Dean. You can start a petition. You can talk to the student government or even a reporter. You can change professors. You can change schools. But you will find people like this wherever you go. Sadly, these people who are insecure in having their beliefs challenged are teaching classes. And, if the exams are essay, they have a lot of flexibility as to what grade they give you. A lot!

Eons ago, I had a new professor for a Sociology theories class. His opinions were very different from those of a previous professor, who had been my mentor (and been denied tenure). Another student and I would present the opposing view. He shut us down. He even called us up after class and said "I can make it very difficult for the two of you to pass this class." The final was an essay test. I looked up, and he was glaring at me with the most sinister look I have ever seen. I was terrified he was going to flunk me. The days waiting for grades were really long! Turns out he did not flunk me.

More recently, in a graduate level law class, I encountered the same thing. Law is supposed to teach you to see things from all sides, especially to aid in anticipating your opponent's move. It was an Administrative Law class, taught mostly using Environmental Law cases. He was an environmental activist. He required us to take his position. For example, one exam question was something like, "What arguments would you make in attempting to get this company shut down?" By this time he knew me, and knew I did thorough work. My response was " I would not try to shut down this company's operations, as my brother-in-law works there. However, if you are telling me I have to, I would do ........" I found that "sparring" with him on paper allowed me to express myself, without "challenging" him in front of the other students.

Although professors are supposed to be able to defend their positions, they don't like being challenged, and they don't like it when their students are more knowledgeable than they are.

I hope something here has helped you. I also want to point out that the work world is just like this. You will have to learn how to disagree with your coworkers and boss. Sometimes you might even have to tell your boss he/she is wrong. Learn to handle these situations with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism, thinking about how you would want it handled if you were the professor. And always, always, always, first ask. . .what is it you are trying to accomplish? Is it necessary to do or say anything at all? What will happen if you don't say anything? And, when considering possible courses of action, Always try to identify what the consequences may be.

Best of luck to you!!

Kim