In Plato’s dialogue “Apology,” Socrates has been brought to trial for denying the gods of the state and corrupting the youth. Socrates defends himself by pointing out that he has provided a great service to Athens. What does Socrates mean when he claims that he is a gadfly? Do you think Socrates is providing an important service? Is examining one’s life as crucial as Socrates claims? Is examining society similarly important? Why or why not?