Thus boxes are provided for a philosopher (8)
I believe the answer is:
socrates
'for a philosopher' is the definition.
(Socrates is an example)
'thus boxes' is the wordplay.
'thus' becomes 'so' (synonyms).
'boxes' becomes 'crates' (crate is a kind of box).
'so'+'crates'='SOCRATES'
'are provided' is the link.
This may not be correct. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for socrates that I've seen before include "Athenian philosopher who was teacher to Plato" , "Gk. philosopher, took hemlock" , "Coarsest (anag) - philosopher" , "Wise guy" , "old question-master?" .)