---
entity_slug: seed_time_and_harvest_metaphor
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:20:39.821964'
overall_score: 4.0
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly captures a specific agricultural metaphor used
    to explain foreign trade dynamics, distinguishing between initial outflows (seed-time)
    and eventual returns (harvest). It avoids circularity and identifies a distinct
    conceptual tool rather than a vague category.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity appears well-grounded in Book IV, Chapter 1, where Smith discusses
    merchant arguments about foreign trade and addresses mercantile concerns about
    precious metal exports. The agricultural metaphor fits Smith's style of using
    concrete analogies to explain economic principles.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Exchange" domain is perfectly appropriate since this metaphor specifically
    addresses foreign trade dynamics and the flow of goods and precious metals between
    nations. It directly relates to exchange mechanisms and trade theory.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This metaphor has some relevance to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation)
    as it represents a way of thinking about long-term strategic outcomes versus short-term
    appearances in trade. However, it's primarily a rhetorical device rather than
    a structural system component.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The metaphor provides genuine explanatory power by offering an intuitive
    framework for understanding how apparent short-term losses in foreign trade can
    yield long-term gains. It illuminates the temporal dimension of trade benefits
    and counters mercantilist misconceptions about precious metal flows.
---

# Evaluation: Seed Time And Harvest Metaphor

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly captures a specific agricultural metaphor used to explain foreign trade dynamics, distinguishing between initial outflows (seed-time) and eventual returns (harvest). It avoids circularity and identifies a distinct conceptual tool rather than a vague category.

## source_grounding — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity appears well-grounded in Book IV, Chapter 1, where Smith discusses merchant arguments about foreign trade and addresses mercantile concerns about precious metal exports. The agricultural metaphor fits Smith's style of using concrete analogies to explain economic principles.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Exchange" domain is perfectly appropriate since this metaphor specifically addresses foreign trade dynamics and the flow of goods and precious metals between nations. It directly relates to exchange mechanisms and trade theory.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This metaphor has some relevance to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as it represents a way of thinking about long-term strategic outcomes versus short-term appearances in trade. However, it's primarily a rhetorical device rather than a structural system component.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The metaphor provides genuine explanatory power by offering an intuitive framework for understanding how apparent short-term losses in foreign trade can yield long-term gains. It illuminates the temporal dimension of trade benefits and counters mercantilist misconceptions about precious metal flows.
