Continuity of Scientific Traditions and Philosophical Culture in the Activities of the Kyiv-Mohyla and Slavic-Greek-Latin Academies in 17th Century Russia

Abstract

The history of any nation constitutes an inseparable part of its being. Historical processes influence all aspects of life, both within individual states and humanity at large. These processes include internal and external politics, socio-economic development, the culture of specific historical periods, and much more. 

This article focuses on the history of social thought, specifically on the development of philosophical culture and worldview among Russian philosophers of the 17th century. The selected time period is not coincidental. Numerous events of the 17th century served as a precursor to the transformations of Peter the Great’s era. For a long time, it was erroneously believed that prior to Peter’s reforms, Russia lagged behind European countries in all areas, including the development of scientific knowledge addressing cosmological questions. 

Notably, the 17th century marked the emergence of academic institutions of a university status in Russia. These included the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, established in 1632, and the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy, founded in Moscow in 1687. 

This study examines the genesis of philosophical thought and scientific worldview as reflected in the perspectives of scholars and philosophers from the Kyiv-Mohyla and Slavic-Greek-Latin Academies. An attempt is made to trace the continuity of scientific knowledge between the Kyiv and Moscow academies. Emphasis is placed on the distinctive nature of Russian philosophy and its scientific worldview during this period. In addition to the main directions of philosophical development, the article explores the conditions under which these institutions arose, as well as their unique characteristics that influenced subsequent activities. 

At the conclusion of the study, the following reasoning is presented: Philosophical thought in 17th-century Russia was marked by its distinctiveness and uniqueness. The worldview paradigm of this period fully aligns with the concept of "unity in diversity." The philosophy of the 17th century was grounded in an idealistic understanding of the world, yet early echoes of materialist teachings began to emerge. It is emphasized that the scientific breakthroughs achieved during and after Peter the Great's era were founded on the fundamental knowledge developed by the scholars of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and the Slavic-Greek-Latin Academy.