Final answer:
Our thoughts can indeed influence our reality in terms of how we perceive and behave in our social environment, as suggested by the Thomas theorem. However, there are elements of reality that remain independent of our thoughts, which philosophy and science aim to understand.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement, 'Our thoughts determine our reality', can be debated as true to an extent in the field of social studies. This is in line with the Thomas theorem, which suggests that if people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences. Individual perceptions can shape their behaviors and decisions, which in turn can affect outcomes in the social realm. However, it is also important to recognize that there are aspects of reality that are independent of our thoughts and perceptions.
Despite the influence of individual perception, reality also consists of facts that exist independently of us, facts that we cannot change simply through our beliefs or desires. We exist within this reality and discover our powers and vulnerabilities through our interactions with it. Philosophy and science often seek to understand reality through critical thinking, challenging assumptions, and careful observation of the natural world.