---
entity_slug: encroachment_upon_capital
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:23:00.013597'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly distinguishes encroachment upon capital as the
    specific process of consuming capital stock through excessive spending, rather
    than using vague terms. It precisely identifies the mechanism (diverting productive
    funds to unproductive labor) and the consequence (reduced value-adding labor).
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This concept is directly grounded in Smith's analysis in Book II, Chapter
    3, where he explicitly discusses how prodigality leads to capital consumption
    and uses the analogy of perverting pious foundations. The entity accurately reflects
    Smith's specific concerns about capital preservation versus consumption.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: "The placement in the \"Accumulation\" domain is precisely correct, as\
    \ this concept deals with the negative side of capital accumulation\u2014how capital\
    \ can be diminished through improper use. This is a core concern within Smith's\
    \ framework of capital formation and preservation."
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity has moderate VSM relevance, potentially mapping to S3 (internal
    regulation) as it represents a failure of proper resource allocation controls,
    or S4 (intelligence) as it reflects poor decision-making about resource deployment.
    However, it's primarily a descriptive economic process rather than a clear systemic
    function.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides strong explanatory value by illuminating the specific
    mechanism through which individual financial behavior affects broader economic
    outcomes. It explains not just what happens (capital reduction) but how it happens
    (diversion from productive to unproductive uses) and why it matters (reduced national
    wealth).
---

# Evaluation: Encroachment Upon Capital

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly distinguishes encroachment upon capital as the specific process of consuming capital stock through excessive spending, rather than using vague terms. It precisely identifies the mechanism (diverting productive funds to unproductive labor) and the consequence (reduced value-adding labor).

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This concept is directly grounded in Smith's analysis in Book II, Chapter 3, where he explicitly discusses how prodigality leads to capital consumption and uses the analogy of perverting pious foundations. The entity accurately reflects Smith's specific concerns about capital preservation versus consumption.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The placement in the "Accumulation" domain is precisely correct, as this concept deals with the negative side of capital accumulation—how capital can be diminished through improper use. This is a core concern within Smith's framework of capital formation and preservation.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity has moderate VSM relevance, potentially mapping to S3 (internal regulation) as it represents a failure of proper resource allocation controls, or S4 (intelligence) as it reflects poor decision-making about resource deployment. However, it's primarily a descriptive economic process rather than a clear systemic function.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides strong explanatory value by illuminating the specific mechanism through which individual financial behavior affects broader economic outcomes. It explains not just what happens (capital reduction) but how it happens (diversion from productive to unproductive uses) and why it matters (reduced national wealth).
