Mikhail Bakhtin was a Russian philosopher and literary critic known for his influential ideas on language, literature, and culture. He is best known for concepts such as dialogism, which emphasizes the importance of dialogue and interaction in understanding meaning, and the notion of the carnivalesque, which highlights the subversion of social norms through humor and chaos in literature. Bakhtin's work has had a significant impact on various fields, including literary theory, cultural studies, and philosophy. His ideas encourage readers to consider the multiple voices and perspectives present in texts, challenging traditional notions of authorship and authority in literature.