Which political philosophy emphasizes hostility to government activity in economic matters?

The political philosophy that emphasizes hostility to government activity in economic matters is Libertarianism. Libertarians advocate for minimal government intervention in both personal and economic affairs. They believe that the free market should operate without government regulation, arguing that individuals should have the freedom to make their own economic choices without interference. This philosophy stands in stark contrast to more interventionist approaches like socialism, which supports significant government control over the economy to achieve social and economic equality.

Liberalism, on the other hand, may support some government intervention in order to address social justice issues and economic inequities, while conservatism can vary widely but often supports a balance between free markets and some government regulation. Therefore, in emphasizing a strong opposition to government involvement in economic matters, Libertarianism clearly outlines its core principle of prioritizing individual liberty over collective regulatory measures.