In this apology, Socrates speaks in a very simple way in his defense. He was accused of corrupting the minds of the youths in Athens, creations of his deities, and not respecting the gods of the state. In this defense, Socrates explains that his language is by what he is used to and that he had no experience in the law courts. This is because he believed in honesty and not beating around the bush. He claimed that he did what he did because it was prophesized at Delphi by the oracle. That he was the wisest of all men that had ever been born. He demonstrated his ignorance in most of the worldly affairs. That what other people believed in the world did not matter in his decisions and behavior. Socrates explained that he must be wiser than other men because he knew perfectly well that he knew that he knew nothing. He expressed in a manner that aimed at questioning those who were supposed to be to be wise and that it was his duty to expose their false behavior to the public. He categorically attributed their false behavior to ignorance. Most of the youths in Athens admired and respected Socrates because of his activities but to those whom he embarrassed he remained hated in their hearts. That such people with hatred were contemptuous and that is why he was being tried. Socrates then went ahead to question Meletus, the man who had brought him to the jury. Socrates in his behavior focuses more on embarrassing Meletus than speaking out the truth of the matter.
Socrates compares himself with gadfly stinging the lazy horse which was like Athens state without people him. Socrates thought that Athens was in a pathetic state and it was only through his actions that the city was going to come out of the sick condition. He is found guilty by a very small margin that he is asked to give a proposal on the penalty. He ended up proposing that if he were to be given what he deserved then it should be a meal to honor him for the great favor he had done to Athens. Socrates offered to pay a fine instead of prison or exile but the jury refused and sentenced him to death. He accepted the verdict asserting that it was not to fear death as it is only God who knows life after death.
From this summary, it comes out clearly that Socrates was a man who was willing to fight and die for what he believed was good for the people. That widespread ignorance in the society was to be blamed for the backwardness that exists in the society. This Apology demonstrates that it is those who fight for the liberation of society from the bondage of ignorance that ends up paying heavily. It is clear from the summary that the state did not appreciate change because the people could rise and demand their rights. The difference between the wise men and the foolish men is brought out by Socrates. This particular case shows how society at that time was resistant to change. And those who showed their activism towards change paid dearly for their actions. That person like Socrates who advocated for change amongst the state was considered to be a big threat and hence their activities had to be severely curtailed. It is quite unfortunate that such noble people like Socrates had to be killed because of their worthy criticism towards the awkward state of Athens.
Reference
M. Schofield (1998, 2002), “Plato”, in E. Craig (ed.), Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy.