Thomas Hobbes argued in his book Leviathan that individuals surrender some of their freedoms to a sovereign authority in order to secure peace and order in society.

John Locke believed that individuals have a natural right to life, liberty, and property, and that these rights cannot be legitimately taken away by government.

Immanuel Kant's theory of freedom emphasizes the importance of acting according to moral principles and the categorical imperative, rather than being driven by desires or external influences.

John Stuart Mill's harm principle states that the only legitimate reason for government to interfere with individual liberty is to prevent harm to others.

Isaiah Berlin's theory of liberty emphasizes the importance of positive freedom, or the ability to act and pursue one's own goals and values.

Friedrich Hayek argued that individual actions and interactions, guided by the price mechanism, lead to the emergence of complex social and economic systems, without the need for central planning or deliberate design.

Alexis de Tocqueville emphasized the importance of protecting minority rights and preventing the tyranny of the majority in a democratic society.

Amartya Sen's capability approach emphasizes the importance of individual freedom and well-being as the ability to choose and pursue one's own goals and values, rather than simply having access to material resources or satisfying basic needs.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized the importance of individual participation in self-government and the general will as essential elements of liberty.

Martha Nussbaum argues that these central capabilities are essential for human flourishing and freedom, and that societies should be structured to support and promote these capabilities.

Hannah Arendt emphasized the importance of human agency and the ability to make meaningful choices in life as essential elements of liberty.

Charles Taylor argues that individual freedom and well-being depend on recognition and respect from others, and that societies should be structured to promote mutual recognition and respect.

Jürgen Habermas emphasized the importance of communicative action and public deliberation as essential elements of liberty, arguing that individuals should be able to participate in social and political decision-making.

Iris Marion Young argues that individual freedom and well-being depend on eliminating social and economic inequalities, promoting diversity and inclusion, empowering marginalized groups, and creating a more just and equitable society.

Alasdair MacIntyre emphasized the importance of living in accordance with one's own values and beliefs as an essential element of liberty, arguing that individuals should be able to pursue their own conception of the good life.