Einstein Case

In this letter Albert Einstein is the speaker responding to the audience which is Phyllis Wright, a sixth-grade girl. The subject is whether scientists pray or not and if so, what they pray for, a question sent to Einstein from Phyllis.

First, Einstein establishes ethos well because he was considered the greatest scientist and well known by the majority of the population in the world. So certainly if he says something regarding to science, he knows what he's talking abiut and that we can take his word for it. Most of us would not doubt or question the man who found the theory of relativity and a nobel prize winner on the subject of science. Also in Albert's letter, he brings out his teacher persona and does talk in the tone of an adult or professor towards Wright.

Second, the scientist appeals to logos through facts. He explains what scientific research is based on, that it is "determined by laws of nature". Basically that everything happens for a reason, all logic. Now due to the fact that scientific research is based on laws, Einstein then states that that is the reason why "a research scientist will hardly be inclined to believe that events could be influenced by a prayer". Then he gives the example of a wish addressed to a supernatural being. So far he has given us facts and his side of the story. Next, he conjures up his counterargument, that yes, all the knowledge of the laws have their flaws. He states that it is imperfect and that faith does play a role in this situation. However, he refutes that this faith is because of all the success of scientific research not that because of faith that their research succeeded. Then, he talks about how the people who are interested and are active in the pursuit of science is then convinced that there is a spirit manifesting the laws of the universe. Here is where he mixes his logic and emotions, pathos.

Einstein appeals to his religious audience, that there could be "a spirit vastly superior to that of man" mixing in with the affairs of science. Wouldn't this make you think that there are miracles caused by an all mighty divine being? Although Einstein clearly does not think so. Which is why towards the very end he writes "in this way the pursuit of science leads to a religious feeling of some sort, which is indeed quite different from the religiosity of someone more naive". At first he seems to relate to the religious group but he then explains that they just have the same feelings, full of hope and faith but about different beliefs. One has the feeling of looking foward to more successful discoveries and studies while the other, is the belief in a sacred being looking out for them. In a way it also seems that he was being condescending towards Wright and her religion in a way, that she is naive and so is what she believes in.

Based on what I read, I found that Einstein's response was rhetorically effective.