ABSTRACT
At a basic behavioral level imitation requires an individual creature be able to translate a perceived action by another into a similar performance, a non-trivial, intersubjective correspondence problem. Clinically the intersubjective nature of imitation has direct application especially as revealed in its importance in empathy and in forming our “theory of mind” experiences of the other. “Advanced mind-reading” includes mental imitation which in turn can involve discerning goals and intentions without the need to replicate behaviors; clinical, therapeutic empathy of course draws heavily on such abilities. Carl Gustav Jung’s methodology for identifying and engaging the archetypal layer of the psyche likewise can be considered dedicated to exploring the realm of the emergent, it would seem that elements of imitation permeate some of Jung’s most important concepts, such as the archetype. A striking trend in the critical discussions of meme theory is the attention given to deliberate, intelligent design and goals in the evolution of cultural productions.
