“In animals, there’s a big difference between neural networks for, say, image classification vs. neural networks for valuing inputs (e.g., detecting that sugar tastes good or fire feels bad). Like with most properties in the brain, the difference between these networks comes down to not so much how they work in isolation but how they’re hooked up to other components. Valence networks can strongly affect motor reactions, hormone release, laying down memories, verbal responses (e.g., “ouch!”), and many other areas of the brain. I suspect that these after-effects (Daniel Dennett might call them “sequelae”) of valence networks make pain and pleasure the rich emotional experiences that we feel them to be.”

— Brian Tomasik, An interview with Brian Tomasik (People for the Ethical Treatment of Reinforcement Learners, 2015)