Socrates is using an Ethos argument. His words are directed more to the audience and whoever overhears, than to Meletus. In his comments, "Nobody will believe you, Meletus, and I am pretty sure that you do not believe yourself. I cannot help thinking, men of Athens, that Meletus is reckless ..." Socrates attacks Meletus' veracity, his truthfulness, and whether anyone should trust him.
To switch to a modern scene, this would be like yelling at a friend during an argument, "Everyone knows you are a cheat! You cheat on homework; you cheat on tests; for all we know, you recklessly cheat in everything you do!" The point has less to do with truth as with undermining the other person's power by undermining it in the hearer's mind.
Apex :) Ethos. answered by - The Jarizzle
Socrates is questioning the validity of Meletus's accusations by refuting his claims and pointing out inconsistencies in his arguments. He is trying to expose the weaknesses in Meletus's case in order to defend himself and show that the accusations are unfounded.
Meletus, Anytus, and Lycon were the three accusers who brought charges against Socrates.
Socrates presents Meletus with a dilemma by questioning whether he believes that Socrates corrupts the youth intentionally or unintentionally. If Meletus answers that it's intentional, then Socrates wouldn't harm his own soul intentionally. If he answers unintentional, then there would be no need for punishment. This creates a contradiction in Meletus's argument.
One of Socrates' accusers was Meletus, a young poet who accused him of impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens.
Meletus charged Socrates with corrupting the youth of Athens and with impiety for not believing in the city's gods.
Meletus, along with Anytus and Lycon, were the main accusers of Socrates during his trial in Athens. They accused him of corrupting the youth and impiety.
Socrates argues against Meletus that he cannot knowingly corrupt the youth because it would be against his self-interest, as the well-being of the youth would also benefit him. He also argues that it is contradictory for him to believe in other spiritual beings while also being accused of not believing in the gods. Socrates reasons that it does not make sense for him to intentionally harm Athens by corrupting its youth.
The prosecutor of Socrates was Meletus, a young poet who accused Socrates of corrupting the youth of Athens and impiety towards the city's gods during his trial in 399 BC.
Socrates says that only horse trainers can improve a horse. He finds it odd that any person could in turn improve another person.
According to Socrates, he was charged with corrupting the youth of Athens and impiety, or not believing in the city's gods. These accusations were made by Meletus, Anytus, and Lycon, leading to his trial and eventual death sentence.
Socrates is more afraid of Aristophanes' comedic portrayal in The Clouds because it distorts his true character and teachings, potentially misleading people about who he really is. In contrast, his accusers—Anytus, Meletus, and Lycon—accuse him based on his philosophical ideas, which Socrates is more prepared to defend since they are rooted in his genuine beliefs and principles. Aristophanes' satire threatens to undermine Socrates' reputation and legacy by presenting a false image of him to the public.