---
entity_slug: servile_condition
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:21:05.322340'
overall_score: 4.0
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: 'The definition clearly distinguishes servile condition from other forms
    of labor arrangement by specifying key characteristics: lack of personal freedom,
    absence of property rights, subjection to lord/master authority, and control over
    labor and possessions. It avoids circularity and provides concrete distinguishing
    features.'
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This concept is directly grounded in Smith's analysis in Book III, Chapter
    3, where he extensively discusses the bondage of medieval populations and contrasts
    urban servile conditions with rural freedom in ancient republics. The entity accurately
    reflects Smith's historical economic analysis.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is appropriate as this concept represents a fundamental
    institutional arrangement that underpins Smith''s broader theoretical framework
    about economic development and the transition from feudalism to commercial society.
    It''s not merely a historical detail but a structural economic concept.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity describes a historical institutional condition rather than
    an operational system component. While it might relate to S1 (as a constraint
    on primary operations) or S5 (as an identity/governance structure), it doesn't
    naturally map to VSM systems since it represents an external institutional constraint
    rather than an internal system function.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides crucial explanatory power for understanding Smith's
    theory of economic development, particularly how institutional arrangements constrain
    or enable economic progress. It illuminates the structural mechanisms that prevented
    efficient resource allocation and economic growth in pre-commercial societies.
---

# Evaluation: Servile Condition

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly distinguishes servile condition from other forms of labor arrangement by specifying key characteristics: lack of personal freedom, absence of property rights, subjection to lord/master authority, and control over labor and possessions. It avoids circularity and provides concrete distinguishing features.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This concept is directly grounded in Smith's analysis in Book III, Chapter 3, where he extensively discusses the bondage of medieval populations and contrasts urban servile conditions with rural freedom in ancient republics. The entity accurately reflects Smith's historical economic analysis.

## domain_placement — 4.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is appropriate as this concept represents a fundamental institutional arrangement that underpins Smith's broader theoretical framework about economic development and the transition from feudalism to commercial society. It's not merely a historical detail but a structural economic concept.

## vsm_relevance — 2.0 / 5.0

This entity describes a historical institutional condition rather than an operational system component. While it might relate to S1 (as a constraint on primary operations) or S5 (as an identity/governance structure), it doesn't naturally map to VSM systems since it represents an external institutional constraint rather than an internal system function.

## explanatory_value — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity provides crucial explanatory power for understanding Smith's theory of economic development, particularly how institutional arrangements constrain or enable economic progress. It illuminates the structural mechanisms that prevented efficient resource allocation and economic growth in pre-commercial societies.
