John Dewey was influential in the fields of education and philosophy during his lifetime. He championed the concept of progressive education, advocating for experiential learning and critical thinking rather than rote memorization. Dewey believed education should be student-centered, focusing on the needs and interests of learners, thus fostering practical skills for democratic participation. His ideas challenged traditional approaches to teaching, promoting the integration of social justice and ethics into education, which has lasting effects on educational practices and philosophies today.