---
entity_slug: market_obstruction
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:46:17.996294'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly distinguishes between artificial and natural barriers
    that prevent free flow of goods, with specific examples (political boundaries,
    poor infrastructure, geographical barriers). It avoids circularity and captures
    a distinct economic concept, though it could be slightly more precise about what
    constitutes "artificial" versus policy-driven obstructions.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text, specifically his discussion
    of how nations controlling river territories can obstruct communication between
    inland areas and the sea. The concept accurately reflects Smith's analysis of
    how such obstructions limit commerce and market development.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"Regulation" is an appropriate domain since market obstructions often
    involve regulatory or policy barriers, though some obstructions (like geographical
    barriers) are more structural. The placement captures the primary concern with
    artificial barriers while acknowledging natural ones.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S4 (intelligence/environmental
    adaptation) as organizations must understand and adapt to market obstructions
    in their environment. It could also relate to S2 (coordination) when obstructions
    create coordination problems between system parts.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides excellent explanatory power by illuminating a key
    mechanism that limits market extent and division of labor. It helps explain why
    some regions remain economically underdeveloped and connects infrastructure, geography,
    and policy to economic outcomes.
---

# Evaluation: Market Obstruction

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly distinguishes between artificial and natural barriers that prevent free flow of goods, with specific examples (political boundaries, poor infrastructure, geographical barriers). It avoids circularity and captures a distinct economic concept, though it could be slightly more precise about what constitutes "artificial" versus policy-driven obstructions.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text, specifically his discussion of how nations controlling river territories can obstruct communication between inland areas and the sea. The concept accurately reflects Smith's analysis of how such obstructions limit commerce and market development.

## domain_placement — 4.0 / 5.0

"Regulation" is an appropriate domain since market obstructions often involve regulatory or policy barriers, though some obstructions (like geographical barriers) are more structural. The placement captures the primary concern with artificial barriers while acknowledging natural ones.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as organizations must understand and adapt to market obstructions in their environment. It could also relate to S2 (coordination) when obstructions create coordination problems between system parts.

## explanatory_value — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity provides excellent explanatory power by illuminating a key mechanism that limits market extent and division of labor. It helps explain why some regions remain economically underdeveloped and connects infrastructure, geography, and policy to economic outcomes.
