Justice Holmes's interpretation of John Dewey's ethical thought presents a distinct perspective compared to contemporary views. Holmes, influenced by pragmatism, introduced an interpretation of Dewey's thoughts that emphasized the role of dynamic inquiry and the adjustment of practices, which contrasts with the approaches of earlier thinkers like Hobbes who emphasized authority source.

On the other hand, contemporary interpretations of Dewey's ethical thought have been analyzed through various lenses, including metaethical theories and normative ethics. Dewey's approach is often seen as a pragmatic method that centers on reflective intelligence and revising moral judgments based on the consequences of actions. This is detailed in Dewey's pragmatist approach to moral issues, which considers moral particularism and generalism as stages of ethical inquiry source. Dewey's ethical thought also stands against the Western tradition by advocating for experience and experimental methods as key components of ethical inquiry source.

Holmes's evaluation, while deeply rooted in the pragmatic tradition similar to Dewey's, takes a distinct turn in addressing moral problems through metaethics, unlike some contemporary interpretations that lean towards practical application and theoretical analysis source.

These differences highlight that while both Holmes and contemporary scholars draw from Dewey's foundational ideas, they diverge in their applications and interpretive emphases, with Holmes focusing more on the pragmatist reconciliation of ethical issues through inquiry rather than predefined moral structures found in some contemporary analyses.