Final answer:
The distinction between savagery and barbarism historically stemmed from ethnocentric classifications by 'civilized' cultures, who saw 'savagery' as primitive harmony with nature and 'barbarism' as foreign and less civilized. These outdated terms are now critically studied as they reflect biased cultural perspectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the historical views referenced, savagery and barbarism are terms that were used to differentiate societies by those from so-called 'civilized' cultures. The distinction between savagery and barbarism lies in the ethnocentric perspectives of early anthropologists and cultural supremacists, who used these terms to label societies they considered less culturally and morally advanced than their own.
The notion of 'savagery' refers to societies that were often viewed as living in a primitive state in close harmony with nature, sometimes described romantically as 'noble savages.' On the other side, 'barbarism' was typically used to describe cultures that were perceived as foreign and less civilized, particularly in reference to their social organization, technology, and practices; this term originates from the Greek word barbaros, meaning 'foreigner.' It's important to acknowledge that these classifications are outdated and reflect biased and inaccurate representations of cultural development.
While both terms have been historically associated with negative connotations and a perceived lack of sophistication compared to 'civilized' societies, modern scholars approach these concepts critically, understanding that such categorizations are simplistic and fail to appreciate the complexity and inherent worth of different human societies.