Examples:
* Society: A society that has laws and a system of justice, but also practices cruel punishments like public executions.
* Individual: A person who is educated and well-spoken, but also enjoys violent entertainment and displays a lack of empathy for others.
* Culture: A culture that values art and intellectual pursuits, but also engages in ritualistic violence or human sacrifice.
The term "semi-barbaric" emphasizes the contradiction between the civilized and the barbaric aspects of the subject. It often implies a sense of moral ambiguity and raises questions about the nature of progress and the boundaries between civilization and savagery.
It's important to note that:
* The term "barbaric" is often used pejoratively, carrying negative connotations of cruelty, brutality, and lack of refinement.
* The definition of "civilized" is subjective and can change over time and across cultures.
* The "semi-barbaric" label is not a simple binary, but rather a spectrum reflecting the complex interplay of different values and practices within a society or individual.