The libertarian concept of freedom and its relationship to democratic practice, with particular reference to the works of F.A. Hayek

Abstract

This study is an examination of the libertarian concept of freedom and its relationship to democratic practice. It examines in depth the writings of Friedrich Hayek and compares some of his arguments with those of a fellow libertarian, Robert Nozick. Chapter One provides a general outline of libertarian philosophy, setting out its principal postulates and tracing the intellectual history which libertarians claim. The last part of the chapter surveys non libertarian concepts of freedom and comments on their influence on democratic theory. Discussion focusses in particular on the idea of freedom as effective power and how its particular presuppositions are incorporated into democratic practice. Chapter Two discusses the epistemological and ontological ideas of Hayek and their importance for understanding his particular adumbration of freedom. The theoretical basis of Hayek's concept of freedom consists of his theory of knowledge, his theory of individualism, his theory of progress and his economic theory. The chapter examines each theory in turn, drawing on a range of secondary material to suggest areas of weaknesses in Hayek's theoretical position. In particular a critical discussion is made of methodological individualism and Hayek's commitment to the free market model as a determinate of personal freedom. Chapter Three examines Hayek's formulation of the concept of freedom; his theory of the role of the rule of law and general rules in maintaining freedom, the relationship between personal freedom and coercion, and the relationship of rights to freedom. Problems associated with Hayek's formulation of freedom in terms of the rule of law are raised and discussed. Criticism is made of Hayek's definition of coercion and the relationship he seeks to establish between its absence and the maintenance of freedom. The last part of the chapter compares Hayek's arguments with Nozick's defence of libertarianism, especially the role of rights. From the discussion it emerges that their theoretical positions differ in certain critical respects. Whereas Hayek formulates his libertarian position primarily in terms of the rule of law, Nozick's presuppositions assume the inviolability of rights. Chapter Four constitutes the heart of the study. Having delineated in a critical manner the libertarian concept of freedom in the preceding chapters, its function is to analyse the relationship between the libertarian formulation of freedom and democratic practice. The first part of the chapter briefly discusses the guiding principles which inform democratic practice - equality, participation and the notion of self-government - focussing in particular on the political ramifications of those ideas which diverge from libertarian theory, especially democratic treatment of equality. The political implications of the libertarian commitment to protecting personal liberty are raised and discussed. The chapter critically discusses Hayek's own analysis of democratic practice and his recommendations for its reform. Reference is also made to the political implications of Nozick's arguments. The final part of the chapter appraises the relationship between democratic practice and libertarian values. The discussion focusses on the role of rights, the implications of methodological individualism for democratic practice, the different treatment of power by democratic practice and libertarianism, and the relationship between personal liberty and democratic government. In the conclusion an attempt is made to evaluate libertarian theory in the light of democratic practice. I suggest that important linkages exist between democratic government and the libertarian concept of freedom which are not fully appreciated by libertarians themselves.