---
entity_slug: trade_as_union_and_friendship
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:32:50.659108'
overall_score: 4.4
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly articulates a specific concept - trade as a cooperative,
    peace-fostering activity versus a source of conflict. It avoids circularity and
    distinguishes between the "natural" character of commerce and its mercantile perversion.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This concept is well-grounded in Smith's actual arguments in Book IV,
    Chapter 3, where he explicitly critiques how mercantile policies corrupt trade's
    natural cooperative character. Smith frequently emphasizes trade's potential for
    mutual benefit and peaceful relations.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"Exchange" is the correct domain placement, as this entity fundamentally
    concerns the nature and character of commercial exchange relationships between
    nations. The concept sits squarely within trade theory and exchange mechanisms.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps well to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as
    it concerns how nations should orient themselves toward their trading environment,
    and potentially S5 (identity/policy) regarding fundamental principles governing
    international economic relations. It has clear VSM relevance rather than being
    too abstract.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides genuine explanatory power by illuminating the structural
    difference between cooperative versus competitive approaches to international
    trade, helping explain why certain policies produce conflict while others foster
    cooperation. It reveals an underlying mechanism rather than just naming a surface
    phenomenon.
---

# Evaluation: Trade As Union And Friendship

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly articulates a specific concept - trade as a cooperative, peace-fostering activity versus a source of conflict. It avoids circularity and distinguishes between the "natural" character of commerce and its mercantile perversion.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This concept is well-grounded in Smith's actual arguments in Book IV, Chapter 3, where he explicitly critiques how mercantile policies corrupt trade's natural cooperative character. Smith frequently emphasizes trade's potential for mutual benefit and peaceful relations.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"Exchange" is the correct domain placement, as this entity fundamentally concerns the nature and character of commercial exchange relationships between nations. The concept sits squarely within trade theory and exchange mechanisms.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity maps well to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as it concerns how nations should orient themselves toward their trading environment, and potentially S5 (identity/policy) regarding fundamental principles governing international economic relations. It has clear VSM relevance rather than being too abstract.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides genuine explanatory power by illuminating the structural difference between cooperative versus competitive approaches to international trade, helping explain why certain policies produce conflict while others foster cooperation. It reveals an underlying mechanism rather than just naming a surface phenomenon.
