Murray Rothbard, attributed to the Ludwig von Mises Institute. Libertarianism is a political philosophy that emphasizes individual liberty as its key principle. It advocates for a minimal state presence in the lives of individuals, arguing that people should be free to live as they choose, provided they do not infringe on the rights of others. The core ideas of libertarianism revolve around the concepts of personal freedom, economic freedom, and a skepticism of authority, especially governmental authority. Here is a detailed summary of its main tenets, variations, and criticisms: Core Tenets: Individual Liberty: Libertarianism places the highest value on individual freedom, believing that individuals have the right to make choices for themselves in all aspects of their lives. This includes freedom of speech, religion, association, and the right to privacy. Limited Government: Libertarians advocate for a government that is limited in scope and powers, focusing primaril...