John Hospers

John Hospers was an influential American philosopher and the first presidential candidate for the Libertarian Party in 1972. He championed individual liberty and personal responsibility, arguing that people should have the freedom to make their own choices without government interference, as long as they do not harm others. Hospers believed in a minimal government focused primarily on protecting individual rights, which aligns with core Libertarian principles. His work contributed to the development of libertarian thought, stressing the importance of free markets and voluntary interactions in a just society.