Few scientific personalities have marked the 20th century as much as Hans Kelsen. His multifaceted work focused on legal science, which he renewed on many levels (theoretical, international, ideological), but also extended to philosophical and sociological studies, including impressive knowledge of ancient Greek thought. Kelsen was a universal and timeless spirit. As was obviously stated, he was a philosopher with the ancient Greek designation of the word and a philhellene by subject. His multifaceted action in favor of democracy and peace coexisted with a rare ethos of freedom of spirit.

His work, known worldwide and widely discussed, is almost unknown in Greece, except for certain legal professionals, mainly academics and judges. It is a cultural necessity for Greece to become known, through translations of his studies, to the younger generations of scientists, not just legal professionals.

The organizer of the international conference and this volume, Nikitas D. Aliprantis, is an honorary professor at the University of Strasbourg, former professor at Democritus University of Thrace, and associate member of the Academy of Athens.