![]() Rewards are not defined by their physical properties but by the behavioral reactions they induce. ![]() For these functions, nature has endowed us with explicit neuronal reward signals that process all crucial aspects of reward functions. Sensory discrimination and control of movements serve this prime role of the brain. To do so, the brain needs to identify the reward value of objects for survival and reproduction, and then direct the acquisition of these reward objects through learning, approach, choices, and positive emotions. Brains make individuals learn, select, approach, and consume the best rewards for survival and reproduction and thus make them succeed in evolutionary selection. It is necessary to identify stimuli, objects, events, situations, and activities that lead to the best nutrients and mating partners. However, movement alone does not get them any food or mating partners. By displacing themselves they can access more rewards than happen to come along by chance, thus enhancing their chance of survival and reproduction. Brains allow multicellular organisms to move about the world. It may well be the reason why brains have evolved. This is what our brain does, acquire rewards, and do it in the best possible way. Species with brains that allow them to get better rewards will win in evolution. Their function is to make us eat, drink, and mate. Rewards are the most crucial objects for life. The neuronal reward signals provide guidance for behavior while constraining the free will to act. Although all reward, reinforcement, and decision variables are theoretical constructs, their neuronal signals constitute measurable physical implementations and as such confirm the validity of these concepts. Appropriate for formal decision mechanisms, rewards are coded as object value, action value, difference value, and chosen value by specific neurons. Utility can incorporate various influences, including risk, delay, effort, and social interaction. It is coded as utility prediction error by phasic dopamine responses. Utility is the formal mathematical characterization of subjective value and a prime decision variable in economic choice theory. The approach and choice functions involve subjective value, which is objectively assessed by behavioral choices eliciting internal, subjective reward preferences. These signals are found in dopamine neurons, which emit a global reward signal to striatum and frontal cortex, and in specific neurons in striatum, amygdala, and frontal cortex projecting to select neuronal populations. Whereas emotions are difficult to investigate in animals, the learning function is mediated by neuronal reward prediction error signals which implement basic constructs of reinforcement learning theory. Rewards are crucial objects that induce learning, approach behavior, choices, and emotions. ![]()
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