ABSTRACT
The present book is intended as an introduction to Skinner’s work. It is now time for readers to explore the rich production of the last behaviourist, as some insist on calling him. I hope that the simplistic representations of Skinner’s contributions to psychology, that have been the rule in many circles for some years, will give place to a more balanced evaluation. The argument, throughout the preceding chapters, has been abundantly illustrated by quotations from Skinner’s writings, which convey rigorous and subtle thought, often provocative, and, when it comes to social matters, straightforwardly generous. This is, of course, in contrast to depreciating statements by influential critics characterising Skinner’s prose as void of scientific substance, obsolete, or socially dangerous. There is nothing to be gained in condemning with such crude judgements a scientist whose place in the history of psychology cannot be denied. If he was wrong (and in a way no one in science would claim to be completely, or definitively, right) this can be discussed only by examining closely what he wrote and did. I hope the reader is now better prepared to undertake an unbiased analysis of what Skinner had in mind, and disclosed in his overt verbal behaviour.
