How did Aristides earn the name 'the Just'?

Translation: quotations from Plutarch are quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864; quoted in Goodwin's 1870 revision of the 1684-94 English translation by several hands, not his original words.

1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)

Record ledger

• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): The passage shows that Aristides earned the name 'the Just' because of his continual and common use of justice, which affected the common people most. This is based on the belief that justice, unlike power or immortality, is what makes a life divine and virtuous. (key quote above) [1]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): The passage does not directly state how Aristides earned the name 'the Just,' but it discusses his reputation and positions of honor, suggesting that his virtue and public service were central to his character and recognition. [2]
• ACTION (undated; quoted in Goodwin's 1870 revision of the 1684-94 English translation by several hands): Aristides earned the name 'the Just' by always managing his offices himself and avoiding all political clubs, as he believed power gained through friends encouraged the unjust. (key quote above) [3]
• BELIEF (undated; quoted in Dryden's 1683-86 English translation, as revised by Arthur Hugh Clough in 1864): The passage shows that Aristides was known for his justice, though it also suggests that his poverty made justice seem harmful to family prosperity. This is based on the contrast drawn between Aristides and Cato in their management of personal and public affairs. (key quote above) [4]
• ACTION (editor's note) (undated; editor's note, not his words; quoted in Goodwin's 1870 revision of the 1684-94 English translation by several hands): Plutarch quoted a passage in his Life of Aristides, § 3, using the word δίκαιος in the second verse in place of ἄριστος. The action is the quoting of the passage with the substitution. "It has been plausibly conjectured, that the actor who spoke the part intentionally substituted the word δίκαιος as a compliment to Aristides, on seeing him in a conspicuous place among the spectators." [5]

What cuts against it

• ACTION (undated; quoted in Goodwin's 1870 revision of the 1684-94 English translation by several hands): The passage suggests that Aristides's poverty made justice seem harmful to family prosperity, which could cut against the idea that his justice was universally admired or beneficial. (key quote above) [4]

2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)

1. Aristides earned the name 'the Just' because the common people were most affected by his continual use of justice. [1]

2. This belief is grounded in the idea that justice, not power or immortality, is what makes a life divine and virtuous. [1]

3. His impartiality in legal matters, even against his enemies, reinforced his reputation for justice. [6]

4. He avoided political clubs and managed his offices himself, believing that power gained through friends encouraged the unjust. [3]

5. The frequent use of the title 'the Just' in reference to him, even by those who did not know him personally, further supports his widespread recognition for justice. [7] (inference)

3. HIS TAKE

Record coverage: DIRECT

Extrapolation: Aristides earned the name 'the Just' through his consistent and impartial application of justice in public life, his refusal to use political alliances for personal gain, and the widespread recognition of his virtue among the common people.

Competing readings: One reading, based on [4], suggests that his poverty may have made justice seem harmful to family prosperity, which could have led to criticism or misunderstanding of his virtue.

Confidence: Moderate, as the record provides direct evidence of his actions and beliefs, but also includes a competing view that his poverty may have undermined the perceived benefits of justice.