Question

the three main ideas behind capitalism as defined by adam smith are free markets, laissez - faire, and fair taxes. competition, self interest, and laissez - faire. laissez - faire, regulation, and self interest. competition, free markets, and trade limits.

Explanation:

Adam Smith, often considered the father of modern economics, emphasized in his work The Wealth of Nations that capitalism thrives on competition (drives efficiency), self - interest (individuals acting in their own best economic interest), and laissez - faire (minimal government intervention in the economy). Free markets are related but not the three main ideas as per Smith's core framework. Fair taxes are not a central tenet in his definition of capitalism's main ideas. Regulation goes against the laissez - faire principle. Trade limits also contradict the free - market and competition aspects that are part of a more comprehensive capitalist framework (though Smith did have some nuanced views on trade, trade limits are not a main idea).

Answer:

competition, self interest, and laissez - faire.