---
entity_slug: collier
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T04:44:14.447539'
overall_score: 4.0
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition is clear and specific, identifying a collier as a coal
    miner and precisely explaining Smith's use of this example to illustrate wage
    premiums for dangerous work. The definition avoids circularity and captures a
    distinct occupational category with specific economic characteristics.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book I, Chapter
    10, where he explicitly discusses coal miners and their wages relative to common
    labor. The specific details about wages being "double or triple" those of common
    labour accurately reflect Smith's analysis of compensating differentials.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The placement in "Distribution" is correct, as this example directly
    relates to how wages are distributed based on the nature of work - a core concern
    of distribution theory. Smith uses colliers to explain the mechanisms behind wage
    differentials, which is fundamentally about how economic rewards are allocated.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity represents a specific occupational example rather than a
    systemic function or mechanism that would map naturally to VSM systems. While
    it illustrates economic principles, it's more of an empirical case study than
    a structural component of an economic system's viability.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides strong explanatory value by illustrating the concrete
    mechanism of compensating wage differentials - how market forces adjust compensation
    based on job characteristics. It demonstrates a fundamental principle of labor
    economics through a specific, relatable example that illuminates broader structural
    relations in wage determination.
---

# Evaluation: Collier

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition is clear and specific, identifying a collier as a coal miner and precisely explaining Smith's use of this example to illustrate wage premiums for dangerous work. The definition avoids circularity and captures a distinct occupational category with specific economic characteristics.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book I, Chapter 10, where he explicitly discusses coal miners and their wages relative to common labor. The specific details about wages being "double or triple" those of common labour accurately reflect Smith's analysis of compensating differentials.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The placement in "Distribution" is correct, as this example directly relates to how wages are distributed based on the nature of work - a core concern of distribution theory. Smith uses colliers to explain the mechanisms behind wage differentials, which is fundamentally about how economic rewards are allocated.

## vsm_relevance — 2.0 / 5.0

This entity represents a specific occupational example rather than a systemic function or mechanism that would map naturally to VSM systems. While it illustrates economic principles, it's more of an empirical case study than a structural component of an economic system's viability.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides strong explanatory value by illustrating the concrete mechanism of compensating wage differentials - how market forces adjust compensation based on job characteristics. It demonstrates a fundamental principle of labor economics through a specific, relatable example that illuminates broader structural relations in wage determination.
