John Dewey was an American philosopher and educational reformer whose ideas greatly influenced education and social reform. He defined education as the development of an individual's capacities to control their environment and fulfill their potential. Dewey advocated for a broader curriculum that emphasized the total development of students, not just intellectual skills. He developed a method of teaching based on learning by doing activities and connecting lessons to students' lives through problem-solving projects. Dewey saw the teacher's role as a guide who helps students discover knowledge through their own experiences and activities, rather than just transmitting information.