Rhetorical Analysis of Albert Einstein's Letter.
In a letter from a logical thinker, “the greatest scientist” of the twentieth century, and a noble prize winner, Albert Einstein, to a young student, the most imperious characteristic is Einstein’s objectivity. Einstein takes a logical approach to the ideas of prayer, but clarifies the obscure reasoning by differentiating prayer, faith, and religion in a research scientist’s point of view to give an idea of a research scientist’s approach to the subject of prayer. Einstein’s tone is distinctly indifferent; exposed in his lack of specifically stating his personal views. His tone, being a strategic method to appeal, and his recognition of all the logical approaches to prayer, being his logos appeal, go hand-in-hand. While he refrains from focusing on himself, he addresses a research scientist as more of a group rather than a specific individual. Einstein logical approaches the idea of scientist and praying: “Scientific research is based on the idea that everything that takes place is determined by laws of nature, and therefore this holds for the actions of people.” After this rather cryptic answer, Einstein attempts to illuminate the best understanding by segregating the ideas of prayer, faith, and religion in a research scientist’s eyes. He does so by admitting that science does rest on faith: “However, it must be admitted that out actual knowledge of these laws is only imperfect and fragmentary, so that, actually, the belief in the existence of basic all-embracing laws in Nature also rest on a sort of faith.” He continues to separate these ides by qualifying to accept religion, but in a way unique to the way religion is seen by “someone more naïve”: “But, on the other hand, every one who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that a spirit is manifest in the laws of the Universe…” While Einstein states, “I have tried to respond to your question as simply as I could.”; his answer is rather convoluted. But with a complex question,