We do, as shown by decades of research on operant conditioning. When a neutral potential goal is associated with a stimulus of positive affect, we acquire new goals, and we can be unaware that this has happened:
Nice post. I would like more on this and terminal vs instrumental distinctions.
You mean you want to know more about desire acquisition, or more about the neuroscience of operant conditioning?
As for the terminal vs. instrumental distinction, I spent quite a while looking for anything relevant and came up empty, so I’m pretty sure neuroscientists aren’t there yet. Alas.
Nice post. I would like more on this and terminal vs instrumental distinctions.
You mean you want to know more about desire acquisition, or more about the neuroscience of operant conditioning?
As for the terminal vs. instrumental distinction, I spent quite a while looking for anything relevant and came up empty, so I’m pretty sure neuroscientists aren’t there yet. Alas.