Latin

A Fortiori

ay for-tee-OR-ee
A Latin term meaning "from the stronger" or "with stronger reason." It's a legal principle used to draw a conclusion that is even more certain than another conclusion that has already been accepted.
If it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, then a fortiori, it is illegal to drive under the influence of both alcohol and drugs.
Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co. (1989): U.S. Supreme Court held that federal government's power to address societal discrimination did not automatically mean that states and local governments had the same broad power.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a fortiori and a priori?

A fortiori is based on a previous conclusion or argument, while a priori reasoning is based on theoretical deduction rather than empirical evidence.

Can an a fortiori argument be refuted?

Yes, by demonstrating that the second conclusion does not logically follow from the first or by questioning the validity of the initial conclusion itself.

Is a fortiori used exclusively in legal contexts?

While commonly used in legal arguments, a fortiori reasoning can be applied in other fields like philosophy, mathematics, and everyday reasoning.

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