Final answer:
Adam Smith, a key figure in economic philosophy, introduced the concept of the invisible hand in his work The Wealth of Nations, emphasizing its role in regulating the free market through laissez-faire economics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of the invisible hand was first introduced to economics by Adam Smith, a Scottish economist and philosopher. In his seminal book, The Wealth of Nations, Smith articulated the notion that an unseen force in a free market, the invisible hand, helps to regulate the supply and demand of goods and services. He posited that individuals pursuing their personal interests inadvertently contribute to the economic benefit of society as a whole, promoting an efficient allocation of resources without the need for heavy government intervention—an idea corresponding to one of the main principles of laissez-faire economics.