The potential of I. Lakatos’ methodology in the study of socio-political discourses

Introduction. The article outlines research positions within the framework of the study of socio-political discourse. Theoretical analysis. It is noted that socio-political discourse should be explicated as a mode (order) of communication between government and society for the purpose of developing a consensus. The study of socio-political discourses as different modes (orders) of communication between authorities and society is presented in the article based on the methodology of I. Lakatos’ research programs. The notion of a research program from Lakatos’ conception is considered coherent with the notion of socio-political discourse. In this regard, the conceptual Lakatos’ terminology is considered as a metaphor for explaining socio-political dynamics. In the description and analysis of socio-political discourses, along with the research program, such central metaphors as the metaphysical core («hard core») and the protective belt are highlighted, according to the terminology used by Lakatos. The rivalry between the socio-political discourse of liberal values and the socio-political discourse of traditional values is outlined as the main trend of the modern period. It is stated that a special feature of the discourse of liberal values is the simulacrum of the metaphysical core. Conclusion. The socio-political discourse of traditional values served as the basis for the majority consensus when adopting amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation in 2020 and, thus, became pivotal in the dynamics of the modern socio-political system of Russia.