can a person watch this stand alone ??

I'd say yes, if you at least know who Wolverine and Xavier are. There aren't any major references to previous movies. Some small ones (like one line about Xavier running a school). I don't think watching it without watching the others would matter. I can't even think of an instance where they even reference any other mutants by name.

I’ve never seen any of the previous films. I decided to give Logan a try because there were so many people making a fuss about the young actress playing X 23. I enjoyed the film very much so I would say that the film can definitely stand alone.

Yes, but I think how the stakes unfold in the film have a much more profound impact on the viewer if you have seen the previous films

^This.

“Logan” can most certainly be appreciated for its own merits. It is drastically different in tone and execution compared to all the previous ones after all. And as a fan of the series, I believe the film reaches new heights.

That said, I think the emotional impact of this film isn’t quite the same if you’re unfamiliar with the previous ones. It’s an incredible film nevertheless—a must see.

Probably. But I think you would need some background knowledge as to who Wolverine, Charles, and the X-men are.