The civilization known for its philosophers like Socrates and Plato is Ancient Greece. This civilization flourished from the 8th century BCE to around 500 CE and laid the foundation for Western philosophy, science, and democracy. Socrates, known for his method of questioning, encouraged critical thinking and the pursuit of ethical knowledge. Plato, his student, wrote philosophical works including "The Republic," which explored justice, the ideal state, and the theory of forms. The dialogues of these philosophers have had a lasting impact on Western thought and continue to be studied in philosophy and education worldwide.