Ethical Know-How

By Francisco Varela

Book Description

Francisco Varela invites readers into a profound exploration of how we navigate moral decisions in our daily lives, revealing the intricate dance between consciousness and automatic behavior that shapes our ethical responses. Drawing from neurobiology and cognitive science, this concise yet penetrating work examines how our brains execute countless habitual actions without conscious deliberation, operating through complex networks of self-organization that bypass formal reasoning.

Rather than relying on traditional notions of a fixed moral compass or unchanging self, Varela presents a revolutionary approach to ethics that acknowledges the fluid, ever-changing nature of human identity. He demonstrates how our sense of self exists not as a solid foundation but as a dynamic process, constantly emerging through our mental activities and interactions with the world around us.

The author weaves together insights from Eastern philosophical traditions, including Buddhism and Confucianism, with cutting-edge research in philosophy of mind to propose what he calls an ethics of "savoir faire." This practical wisdom emerges not from rigid moral rules but from cultivating skillful awareness of our own psychological processes and embracing the transformative potential inherent in recognizing our fluid nature.

For readers seeking a fresh perspective on moral development that honors both scientific understanding and contemplative wisdom, this work offers a compelling framework for ethical living grounded in genuine self-knowledge and adaptive responsiveness to life's complexities.