Imitation as an activity and research method

Introduction. In the 21st century the phenomenon of imitation associated with the formal reproduction of operations and procedures is gaining popularity in many countries, including Russia, and requires a socio-philosophical analysis and interpretation. Imitation manifests itself in politics, economics, science, education, replacing the real activities of individuals, social groups, political structures with a fake form of activity, thereby representing a social danger to development. Research Methods. In the process of the study, dialectical-materialistic, synergetic methods were used, which made it possible to draw objective, scientifically-based conclusions about the possibility and necessity of overcoming the negative consequences of imitative influences in education, healthcare and science. A systematic approach and a comprehensive assessment of the processes under study makes it possible to reveal the contradictory nature of simulation manipulations. The Results. The finding of the study indicate that the imitation of public administration leads to the loss of high prestige of the state as a leading social institution for regulating socio-economic processes in society, and a decline in the authority of the ruling elite. In the minds of the masses of people there are doubts about the ability of the “top” to systematically manage the development of society. Discussion and Conclusion. The expected effect of a critical analysis of the manifestations of imitation in public administration, healthcare, science, and education is the desire of state structures, party organizations to overcome the negative consequences of imitation manifestations. In the field of science, there is an urgent need to regulate the transparency of financial flows, all decision-making procedures, upgrade equipment and instruments, radically increase salaries in order to attract young people to scientific research, to raise the prestige of science.