William Isaac Thomas based his theorem upon conducting a case study which involved observing behaviors of the mentally ill prisoner. The theorem suggests that situations defined by men as real are perceived to provide real consequences (Cao & Leung, 2015). He established that the prisoner pugnaciously attacked his colleague prisoners speaking as the prisoner believed that his colleagues were verbally abusing him and calling him names. Thomas further noted that it did not matter that the other prisoners were doing nothing of the sort but, they were merely conversing. The act of lip movement made through speaking made the mentally ill prisoner believe they were insulting him; therefore, confronting his fellow prisoners. The mentally ill prisoner did not bother to establish the conversation by his colleagues was intended to insult him but judging from his perceptions, the mentally ill prisoner was affirmed that his fellows ware insulting him, therefore, confronting them more. The Thomas theorem critically provides various explanations for the norms and values that humanity strictly abides by (Cao & Leung, 2015). This involves explanations such as superstitions, religious beliefs actions, identifying good leaders in the crowd, freaking out to baseless tales, among others.
Application of Thomas Theorem to a Classroom Scenario
Considering the case of a teacher believing a student is more intelligent than other students, the interactions will empower that particular student. The teacher will concentrate more time to coaching the student while disregarding other students and viewing them as stupid. Also, the perception the teacher holds about the student will lead the teacher wasting a lot of resources trying to bring the best from the student without establishing whether the student is intelligent or unwise (Chadha & Narula, 2016). Other students will be biased toward their colleague whose teacher highly acclaims. This, in turn, will create conflicts in the class between students and the teacher as well the acclaimed by the teacher.
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The theory is detrimental and should not, therefore, be used by teachers. Teachers are obliged to impart knowledge to every student under their care regardless of their understanding. Students are abled differently and need specific empowerment and guidance from their teachers to unleash their potentials. According to Chadha & Narula (2016), concentrating on first learners students due to their high capabilities and understanding learning create insufficient time for those students who are perceived to be unwise. Also, teachers are encouraged to appreciate the abilities of their students as well as helping them develop their skills. Additionally, teachers are obliged to treat their students equally and distribute knowledge to all students, empowering those with low skills as well as motivating those with high capabilities through creating free interactions where different students can air their views and opinions.
Application of the Theorem in Law Enforcement
Individuals with mental illness have difficulties in appreciating what their thoughts are commanding them as they cannot perceive what is real from unreal (Chadha & Narula, 2016). Enhancing law enforcement to these particular individuals poses challenges to police officers as their disconnect with reality requires officers to be trained on how to handle these cases. Thomas Theorem analysis cases of hallucinations through explaining that the victims perceive they are in danger and they harm might come their way. These beliefs make these victims act with aggression in an attempt to protect them from the perceived danger. Hallucinations impair thinking which result in disorientation, which makes victims believe they are somewhere else and unaware of their surroundings.
The Thomas Theorem advises that handling of hallucination cases requires law enforcers to be extra careful to avoid further injuries of victims while at the same protecting themselves from the victims. Training on communication is paramount, and personnel are bound to recognize the hallmarks of excited hallucination and delirium, which might call for law enforcement response (Oyinlade & Schultz, 2017). Also, law enforcement officers are advised to call for medical attention when these cases arise since victims suffering from excited delirium and hallucination are characterized with an altered perception of reality which activates flight and fight response. The victims resist various efforts to be apprehended; therefore, quick medical assistance needed to be administered whenever these arise.
Law enforcers are encouraged to be considerate on handling those who have mental illness as their perceptions are as real to them as the perceptions of law enforcers are to the individual. Additionally, those with mental disability are strong and feel no pain which makes it difficult for baton strikes and pepper sprays effects not felt. Therefore, the use of conducted energy devices will enable officers to establish control on subject hands with handcuffs as well as securing their legs and rolling them into the position of less harm (Oyinlade, & Schultz, 2017). Blankets should be rolled around their heads to avoid injuries which might result from banging against the ground or nearby objects.
As seen from the above discussion, Thomas Theorem is beneficial when enforcing laws guiding the handling of those who have a mental illness. This is because training is first administered to law enforcers so that they can learn what mentally ill person perceives before employing their perceptions. Therefore, Thomas Theorem set clear guidelines on how to handle severe cases of mental disability and law enforcers should be aware of these guidelines whenever handling the subjects.
References
Cao, Y., & Leung, N. C. (2015). Donaldson-Thomas theory for Calabi-Yau 4-folds. arXiv preprint arXiv:1407.7659 .
Chadha, N., & Narula, B. (2016). Pygmalion effect: Fostering performance among adolescents. Educational Quest-An International Journal of Education and Applied Social Sciences , 7 (1), 1-4.
Oyinlade, A. O., & Schultz, C. (2017). Antecedent Attitudinal Predictors of Likelihood of Voluntary Support for Affirmative Action in a Statewide Law Enforcement Organization. Journal of Sociology , 5 (2), 82-97.
