---
entity_slug: monied_interest
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:55:04.051365'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly distinguishes the monied interest as those who
    lend capital at interest rather than employing it directly, creating a precise
    boundary between this group and other economic actors. The key distinction of
    deriving revenue without personally managing productive use is well-articulated
    and non-circular.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book II, Chapter
    4, where he explicitly discusses the monied interest as a distinct economic sector.
    The definition accurately reflects Smith's analysis of how this group operates
    within the broader framework of capital allocation and the three main economic
    interests.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The placement in the "Accumulation" domain is highly appropriate since
    the monied interest represents a key mechanism in capital accumulation and allocation.
    This concept directly relates to how capital stock is distributed and employed
    in the economy, which is central to Smith's analysis of accumulation processes.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The monied interest has some relevance to VSM as it represents a coordination
    mechanism (S2) for capital allocation across the economy, helping to direct resources
    where they're most needed. However, it's somewhat abstract as an economic sector
    rather than a clear operational or regulatory function within a specific viable
    system.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides significant explanatory power by illuminating how
    capital markets function as intermediaries between savers and productive enterprises.
    It reveals a crucial structural mechanism in Smith's economic system, showing
    how capital allocation occurs through specialized financial intermediation rather
    than only direct investment.
---

# Evaluation: Monied Interest

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly distinguishes the monied interest as those who lend capital at interest rather than employing it directly, creating a precise boundary between this group and other economic actors. The key distinction of deriving revenue without personally managing productive use is well-articulated and non-circular.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book II, Chapter 4, where he explicitly discusses the monied interest as a distinct economic sector. The definition accurately reflects Smith's analysis of how this group operates within the broader framework of capital allocation and the three main economic interests.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The placement in the "Accumulation" domain is highly appropriate since the monied interest represents a key mechanism in capital accumulation and allocation. This concept directly relates to how capital stock is distributed and employed in the economy, which is central to Smith's analysis of accumulation processes.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

The monied interest has some relevance to VSM as it represents a coordination mechanism (S2) for capital allocation across the economy, helping to direct resources where they're most needed. However, it's somewhat abstract as an economic sector rather than a clear operational or regulatory function within a specific viable system.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity provides significant explanatory power by illuminating how capital markets function as intermediaries between savers and productive enterprises. It reveals a crucial structural mechanism in Smith's economic system, showing how capital allocation occurs through specialized financial intermediation rather than only direct investment.
