The notion of implanting electrodes has fascinated many people, including writers. For example, Michael Crichton – himself trained as a doctor – wrote a science fiction novel entitled The Terminal Man...

The notion of implanting electrodes has fascinated many people, including writers. For example, Michael Crichton – himself trained as a doctor – wrote a science fiction novel entitled The Terminal Man in which a man with uncontrollable epilepsy was treated by the implantation of electrodes in the pleasure centre of his brain, with unexpected side-effects. The idea could also appeal in cases where there is no existing disorder: if technical and ethical constraints did not prevent it, would you be interested in having electrodes planted in a pleasure centre of your brain? What would you see as the advantages and disadvantages?