---
entity_slug: economic_system_objectives
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:18:57.651696'
overall_score: 4.6
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly identifies two specific objectives (providing
    subsistence for people and generating revenue for public services) rather than
    using vague language. It's precise and non-circular, though it could be slightly
    more detailed about how these objectives relate to each other.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's explicit identification of
    political economy's dual objectives in Book IV. The definition accurately reflects
    Smith's own framework without introducing external concepts or interpretations.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement since this represents
    Smith''s foundational theoretical framework for understanding the purposes of
    economic systems. It''s a meta-level concept that underpins his entire analytical
    approach.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps clearly to VSM System 5 (identity/policy) as it defines
    the fundamental purposes and identity of the economic system. These objectives
    serve as the policy framework that guides all other system functions and operations.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides significant explanatory value by establishing the
    foundational purposes against which economic arrangements can be evaluated and
    understood. It illuminates the structural logic of Smith's entire analytical framework,
    though it's more of a foundational principle than a specific mechanism.
---

# Evaluation: Economic System Objectives

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly identifies two specific objectives (providing subsistence for people and generating revenue for public services) rather than using vague language. It's precise and non-circular, though it could be slightly more detailed about how these objectives relate to each other.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's explicit identification of political economy's dual objectives in Book IV. The definition accurately reflects Smith's own framework without introducing external concepts or interpretations.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement since this represents Smith's foundational theoretical framework for understanding the purposes of economic systems. It's a meta-level concept that underpins his entire analytical approach.

## vsm_relevance — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity maps clearly to VSM System 5 (identity/policy) as it defines the fundamental purposes and identity of the economic system. These objectives serve as the policy framework that guides all other system functions and operations.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides significant explanatory value by establishing the foundational purposes against which economic arrangements can be evaluated and understood. It illuminates the structural logic of Smith's entire analytical framework, though it's more of a foundational principle than a specific mechanism.
