Another Way of Seeing

Subtitled 'essays on transforming law, politics and culture', these essays introduce a spiritual – political way of seeing that one finds in the online Tikkun Magazine. Gabel begins by explaining that our social theory or emphasis in interpreting the world is central to our capacity for effective and meaningful social action. He aims to shift the emphasis from the material to the spiritual dimension of social life, 'from the desire for things to the desire for love, community, solidarity and connection with others' - or mutual recognition, as he calls it of our common humanity 'as authentic Presence.' This means grasping the 'within' of the intersubjective life world. This is largely contrary to the prevailing ethos of flight from each other, seeing the other as a threat interpreted through the lens of fear - a form of social alienation. Instead, he proposes social optimism.

The essays on law call for a new legal culture beyond the current adversarial system that fosters hostility, deprecation and deception, focusing on self-interested goals. Gabel advocates a new system based on empathy, compassion and mutual understanding, so that problems are resolved by the community after presenting facts within a social context that reveals their ethical significance. The role of lawyers would be conceived as a calling rather than a trade so that they concentrated on healing and reconciliation in the interests of a more loving world. It is a radical vision. Gabel sees politics as the totality of our collective effort to shape the world we live in, often swinging between hope and fear, as one can see in the tone of recent US presidential elections. In particular, he analyses the Gore:Bush election process of 2000. More importantly, he stresses that moral presence and authentic moral conviction are essential in a leader and cites John Kerry as someone who failed to convey this type of conviction. Presence, however, should be ethical not just charismatic. In turn, culture is in fact a moral environment, and the environment manifest will depend on the underlying principles. The book conveys a powerful message with great eloquence and persuasiveness.