"Michael Apostolis on Substance”
Abstract
Michael Apostolis (c. 1422–1478),¹ the Greek scholar and prolific author of the fifteenth
century, studied in Constantinople under John Argyropoulos (1395/1405–1487)² and
taught at Katholikon Museion (Xenon). After the fall of Constantinople, Apostolis
shared his time between Crete, Constantinople and Venice, where he improved his
Latin. He became Bessarion’s (1408–1472) protégé only briefly, because the latter did
not like the polemic overtone of his treatises and came quickly to dismiss his views
on the preponderance of Platonic over Aristotelian philosophy. After losing Bessarion’s
favor Apostolis returned to Crete, where he worked as a copyist. In addition he
established a school.³ In several letters sent to his friends and colleagues he complained
about his poverty and the difficulties he faced.⁴ Apostolis appreciated the
Platonic philosophical tradition, particularly the philosophy of Georgios Gemistos
Pletho (c. 1360–1454). Apostolis’ religious views seemed to be influenced by Pletho’s
polytheism, despite his claim that he was nothing but Christian, namely a supporter
of the Union of Orthodox and Catholic Church.⁵ Apostolis took part in the dispute
between Platonists and Aristotelians that embroiled also the Greek speaking philosophical
community throughout the fifteenth century.⁶ Apostolis wrote in favor of
Plato with enthusiasm and in a polemic tone. Specifically, he confronted Theodoros
Gaza⁷ (1398–1475), a well-known scholar, translator and author of the treatise Adversus
Plethonem pro Aristotele,⁸ who was also Bessarion’s protégé. In his Ad Theodori
Gazae pro Aristotele de substantia adversus Plethonem obiectiones⁹, Apostolis turned
to Bessarion in order to gain his favor and support.