Historical image of science in the writings of scientists (through the example of works by S. I. Vavilov)

Science multidimensionality is due to the fact that a science community, as well as social mind, involve various science images which can complement or oppose each other. Formation of a certain science image and its presentation convey a conventional character and is defined by a collective representation of a certain disciplinary community about the significance and relevance of precise aspects of a research activity in the context of science introduction to wide audience. The article deals with the historically changeable images of science. The author reconstructs the image of science, which was formed in the works of natural scientists. The paper focuses on the factors influencing the formation of science image (socio-cultural, traditional, cognitive, institutional, psychological). It also shows that the image of science is formed by scientists either explicitly or implicitly. Reconstruction of the image of science is necessary for scientists to identify the heuristic potential of their scientific activities.