The civilization known for its philosophical contributions and the Socratic method is ancient Greece. Socrates, a foundational figure in Western philosophy, taught through dialogue and questioning, aiming to stimulate critical thinking and illuminate ideas. His method involved asking probing questions to challenge assumptions and discover fundamental truths about ethics, morality, and existence. Socratic philosophy influenced countless philosophers and laid the groundwork for critical thought and dialectical reasoning throughout history. The works of his students, particularly Plato, further developed these ideas and impacted philosophical discourse for centuries to come.