Freedom and Liberalism: Hayek, Buchanan, and Sen Compared

The defence of liberalism remains necessary, again, in the face of rising populism and authori- tarian trends that characterize our societies. This article starts from Friedrich Hayek’s seminal work, The Constitution of Liberty, to explore two essential elements central to liberty and liberalism: the normative foundation of freedom and the principle of generality. By comparing Hayek’s ideas with those of James Buchanan and Amartya Sen, the paper proposes complementary perspectives on the nature and defence of liberty. While Hayek emphasised the rule of law and spontaneous order, Buchanan advocated for constitutional constraints to protect individual autonomy, and Sen highlighted the expansion of human capabilities as a measure of freedom. Together, these perspectives offer a multidimensional vision of liberty, rooted in respect for individual autonomy and sustained by institutions that promote equality and opportunity. This synthesis provides a robust constitutional framework for the defence of liberalism in contemporary society.