"Walden Two" is a novel by B.F. Skinner that presents his vision of a utopian community based on principles of behavioral psychology. Set in a fictional experimental community, the story follows a group of individuals exploring alternative lifestyles where human behavior is shaped for the better through scientific principles. The community emphasizes cooperation, communal living, and the careful management of social conditions to optimize happiness and productivity among its residents.
The narrative is structured around conversations between characters, particularly between the protagonist, Professor Burris, and members of the Walden Two community. Through these dialogues, Skinner explores themes of freedom, control, and the role of technology in improving human society. The residents of Walden Two live in a system designed to encourage desirable behaviors while minimizing negative ones, challenging traditional notions of individuality and personal choice.