Symmetries in Science

Southern Illinois University at Carbondale undertook to honor Albert Einstein as scientist and as humanitarian in commemo- ration of his lOOth birthday during an "e;Albert Einstein Centennial Week"e;, February 23 - March 2, 1979. During the course of this week two Symposia were held, entitled "e;Symmetries in Science"e; and "e;Einstein: Humanities Conscience"e;, in addition to cultural and social activities honoring Einstein. This volume presents the Symposium "e;Symmetries in Science"e;. It reflects the outstanding response that was given to our "e;Albert Einstein Centennial Week"e; by the international community of scientists. The motivation to have a celebration honoring Albert Einstein at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale was supplied by Dr. Paul A. Schilpp, the editor of the "e;Library of Living Philo- sophers"e;. Albert Einstein has contributed to this series with his autobiographical notes, a kind of autobiography of his scientific life, in a volume entitled "e;Einstein: Scientist-Philosopher"e;, the most popular among all the outstanding volumes of this series. Dr. Paul A. Schilpp's presence at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale provided a natural link for an Einstein Celebration as a kind of a continuation of the contribution he made to mankind through the Einstein volume of his "e;Library of Living Philosophers"e;.