The image of Aristotle in the old Russian culture

The article is devoted to reconstruction of the image of Aristotle created in the Old Russian culture. The reconstruction is based on analysis of the Old Russian texts (11th - 17th centuries). Two kinds of the image are distinguished in the article: 1) Aristotle as the pagan philosopher whose wisdom is vain; 2) Aristotle as a perfect wiseman and teacher. It is demonstrates dependence of these types from specific features of the environment where were created the texts and from the values which dominated in certain historical period of Russian culture. The first image was formed in the monastic environment and served edification to be perfect in asceticism and to do not waste time in rhetorical exercises. The second image takes place mainly in books the reading of which was prohibited by the church authorities. However these books got popularity in the Russian secular society in the 16th century. In the 17th century change of cultural dominants took place in Russia, education system formed after model of European colleges and European textbooks were translated in Russian. In this connection the new image of Aristotle was formed - as a great scientist and founder of scientific knowledge.