prudência

Prudência, or prudence, is a virtue and a concept that refers to practical wisdom and the ability to govern one's actions through prudent judgment. It involves foresight, discernment of the appropriate means to achieve good ends, and consideration of consequences, duties, and context.

Historically, prudence derives from the Latin prudentia, meaning foresight or sagacity. In Aristotle's virtue ethics, a closely related idea is phronesis, or practical wisdom, the capacity to deliberate well about what is good in concrete situations. In medieval and scholastic thought, prudence became one of the cardinal virtues, the virtue that directs the other moral virtues by providing prudent judgment about when and how to act.

In Catholic moral theology, prudence is described as the charioteer of the virtues, requiring right reason applied to action. It entails knowledge of moral ends, awareness of risks and obligations, and the capacity to choose appropriate means while avoiding extremes. It does not replace moral principles but governs their application in daily life.

In modern usage, prudência in Portuguese-speaking contexts generally denotes cautiousness and discretion in speech and behavior, as well as prudent decision-making in finance, politics, and risk management. A prudent person weighs possible outcomes, consults relevant information, and avoids impulsive or reckless conduct.

In philosophy and theology, prudence remains a key concept for evaluating actions and shaping ethical conduct, guiding how principles are applied to real-life situations.