Codex for Eudaimonic Living and Action (CELA)

1. The Purpose

If Cognitive Utility Theory (CUT) is the physics of human thriving, and Intrinsic Drive Sequence Notation (IDSN) is the map of the individual terrain, then CELA is the compass.

CELA (Codex for Eudaimonic Living and Action) is the concrete ethical framework designed to guide any specific fIDS (Full Intrinsic Drive Sequence) toward its maximum potential. It translates biological data into actionable moral imperatives.

2. The Core Axiom

CELA operates on a single, non-negotiable premise derived from the biological reality of the human organism:

The Ethical Imperative: The most ethical action an individual can take is the one that maximizes the net satisfaction of their intrinsic drives—and minimizes their dissatisfaction—throughout the duration of their lifetime.

This is prudential hedonist consequentialism. It asserts that "Good" is not an abstract virtue, but a quantifiable state of optimized neurochemical regulation.

3. The Two Modes of Ethics

CELA recognizes that humans have varying levels of cognitive capacity (mental bandwidth), self-awareness, and knowledge at any given moment. Therefore, it outlines two distinct methods for achieving "Good."

A. Active Good (The Engineer's Path)

This is the gold standard of ethical action. It is consequentialist (outcome-based) in nature.

  • Definition: The individual uses their deep understanding of CUT and their own mind to calculate the decision that will result in the highest net satisfaction over time.
  • Requirements: This mode requires high systemic awareness (understanding how current actions affect future states), low cognitive load, and a precise knowledge of one's own IDSN.
  • The Risk: Miscalculation. If an individual overestimates their ability to predict the future or underestimates a latent drive, they may cause significant harm (dissatisfaction).

B. Passive Good (The Operator's Path)

This is the failsafe mechanism. It is deontological (rule-based) in nature.

  • Definition: The individual follows the specific rules outlined by CELA, trusting that the system has already performed the optimization calculation for them.
  • Use Case: This mode is mandatory when an individual lacks the capacity to make the "Active" decision. This includes states of:
    • Cognitive Strain: Stress, fatigue, or emotional overwhelm.
    • Ignorance: A lack of knowledge regarding CUT or one's own internal map.
    • Bias: When feedback loops are so loud they obscure rational judgment.
  • The Benefit: It prevents "unforced errors." Even if the action isn't the theoretical maximum of perfection, following the rule is statistically guaranteed to be better than an impulsive, uneducated guess.

4. Dynamic Rules by IDSN

Because every human has a unique biological architecture, CELA does not issue a single, static set of commandments for everyone. Instead, it generates a hierarchy of rules prioritized according to the individual's fIDS.

For example:

  • For a High-C (Cortisol) Type: CELA prioritizes rules regarding stability, risk mitigation, and clear boundaries. "Passive Good" for them involves adhering to protocols that prevent chaos.
  • For a High-O (Oxytocin) Type: CELA prioritizes rules regarding community building, vulnerability, and trust maintenance. "Passive Good" for them involves structured investment in long-term bonds rather than isolating for efficiency.

By aligning the rules with the biological reality of the user, CELA minimizes the friction between "what I want to do" and "what I should do," making ethical behavior sustainable rather than exhausting.

5. Implementation

CELA is not just a philosophy; it is a tool. To utilize it effectively:

  1. Know Your Map: Visit Your Profile to update your IDS on your Kendara account. Without an accurate map, the rules cannot be calibrated to your biology.
  2. Consult the Codex: Visit The Codex for the most up-to-date version of the framework tailored to your sequence.
Codex for Eudaimonic Living and Action (CELA) | Kendara Docs