Functionalist Emotion Modeling in Biomimetic Reinforcement Learning

2025/07/15 by Wang, Louis
Computer Science · #Evolutionary Algorithms and Applications #FOS: Biological sciences #Neurons and Cognition (q-bio.NC) #Reinforcement Learning in Robotics

paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2507.11027

openalex publication_date 2025/07/15 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30

Abstract

We explore a functionalist approach to emotion by employing an ansatz -- an initial set of assumptions -- that a hypothetical concept generation model incorporates unproven but biologically plausible traits. From these traits, we mathematically construct a theoretical reinforcement learning framework grounded in functionalist principles and examine how the resulting utility function aligns with emotional valence in biological systems. Our focus is on structuring the functionalist perspective through a conceptual network, particularly emphasizing the construction of the utility function, not to provide an exhaustive explanation of emotions. The primary emphasis is not of planning or action execution, but such factors are addressed when pertinent. Finally, we apply the framework to psychological phenomena such as humor, psychopathy, and advertising, demonstrating its breadth of explanatory power.

Citations

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