Final answer:
The noble savage theory was inspired by 19th-century anthropological research and social evolutionary theories that romantically depicted indigenous cultures. Early theorists like Morgan and Tylor suggested cultures evolved linearly from 'savagery' to 'civilization.' Despite criticisms from scholars like Vine Deloria Jr., these ethnocentric and paternalistic views shaped imperial and colonial policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The inspiration for the noble savage theory stems from various ideations and anthropological research in the 19th century that romantically perceived indigenous cultures as untouched and living in harmony with nature. The theory took root in the context of early anthropological hypotheses, social evolutionary theories, and European ethnocentrism. Scholars such as Lewis Henry Morgan and Edward Tylor introduced a hierarchy of civilizations and stages of cultural progress from 'savagery' to 'barbarism' to 'civilization.' Despite being refuted, these stereotypical views have persisted and contributed to paternalism and justifications for imperialism and conquest.
Anthropological theories such as unilinear cultural evolution (UCE) and Social Darwinism were used to uphold notions of European cultural superiority, as they argued that societies progressed in a linear fashion and that certain cultures (i.e., Western European) were at the pinnacle of civilization. Concepts from theorists like Ludwig Gumplowicz also emphasized that conquest was a civilizing force. These perspectives were challenged by indigenous scholars like Vine Deloria Jr., who criticized the biased nature of Western academic traditions and the stereotypes perpetuated by them.