Paulo Freire was an influential educator known for revolutionizing adult education through his developmental theories. His seminal work, "Pedagogy of the Oppressed," advocates for a participatory approach to learning that empowers individuals and encourages critical thinking. Freire emphasized the importance of dialogue in education, promoting a two-way exchange between teachers and students rather than a traditional one-sided transmission of knowledge. His ideas have had a lasting impact on educational practices and have inspired movements for social change and literacy worldwide, making him a key figure in educational theory.