Friedrich August von Hayek (May 8, 1899 - March 23, 1992) was an economist of the Austrian School noted for his defense of free-market capitalism against a rising tide of socialism thought in the mid-20th century. He also made important contributions to the fields of jurisprudence and cognitive science.
Important works:
The Road to Serfdom (1944)
The Use of Knowledge in Society (1945)
The Sensory Order (1952)
The Constitution of Liberty