Libertarianism is a set of political and philosophical views that emphasizes individual liberty and voluntary association. In its political version, various schools of thought and traditions are invoked on the origin, nature, and inviolability of human rights and on the legitimate functions of government. In its philosophical version, libertarianism is defined as a metaphysical and moral view of self-ownership, free will, and property rights. In U.S. circles, the term libertarian denotes a political position that combines support for civil and economic liberties, and often a foreign policy of noninterventionism. The basic idea of libertarianism is that the best way to advance individual well-being, general prosperity, and social harmony is to maximize the range of individual rights of free choice, thought, tolerance, and responsibility by expanding ...