Final answer:
Behaviorist B.F. Skinner viewed all behavior, including the concept of free will, as a result of conditioning and environmental influences. His research on operant conditioning supports this view, although acceptance of his stance on free will as an illusion is subjective and depends on individual perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question touches on the perspective of B.F. Skinner, a prominent behaviorist, who suggested that all behavior, including what appears to be free will, is the result of conditioning. Skinner's work with operant conditioning involved observing how behavior changes through consequences, such as reinforcement or punishment. An operative part of his research was the Skinner box, where he systematically studied behavioral responses in animals, essentially challenging the concept of free will by arguing that behavior is a predictable result of environmental stimuli and past consequences. Skinner's stance that free will is an illusion aligns with the behaviorist view that behavior is entirely a product of external influences and prior conditioning.
Regarding agreement with Skinner's quote "free will is an illusion," the answer depends on personal and theoretical perspectives. Some may argue that there's more to human behavior than just conditioning, such as cognitive processes, emotions, and perhaps an intrinsic sense of self that decides actions independently. Others, particularly those who align closely with behaviorist principles, might find Skinner's view compelling. Therefore, the opinion on Skinner's stance is subjective and can greatly vary depending on one's philosophical or psychological understanding of free will and determinism.