---
entity_slug: inn_or_tavern_keeper
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:37:48.103742'
overall_score: 3.8
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition is quite precise, clearly identifying the specific type
    of business operator and the key characteristics Smith attributes to this occupation
    (lack of household autonomy, exposure to difficult customers, potential for high
    profits relative to capital). It captures a distinct concept rather than being
    vague or circular.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is well-grounded in Smith's actual text from Book I, Chapter
    10, where he specifically discusses inn and tavern keeping as an example of disagreeable
    trades that compensate through higher profits. The definition accurately reflects
    Smith's analysis without introducing foreign concepts.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Distribution" domain placement is appropriate since inn and tavern
    keeping involves the distribution of services (lodging, food, drink) to consumers.
    This fits well within the economic categorization of distribution activities in
    Smith's framework.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity represents a specific type of business operator rather than
    a systemic function, making it largely VSM-neutral. While it operates within S1
    (primary operations) of the broader economy, it doesn't naturally map to VSM systems
    as it's more of a concrete business role than a cybernetic function.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides significant explanatory value by illustrating Smith's
    theory of compensating wage differentials - how disagreeable working conditions
    lead to higher profits/wages. It demonstrates a key economic mechanism rather
    than merely naming a surface phenomenon.
---

# Evaluation: Inn Or Tavern Keeper

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition is quite precise, clearly identifying the specific type of business operator and the key characteristics Smith attributes to this occupation (lack of household autonomy, exposure to difficult customers, potential for high profits relative to capital). It captures a distinct concept rather than being vague or circular.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is well-grounded in Smith's actual text from Book I, Chapter 10, where he specifically discusses inn and tavern keeping as an example of disagreeable trades that compensate through higher profits. The definition accurately reflects Smith's analysis without introducing foreign concepts.

## domain_placement — 4.0 / 5.0

The "Distribution" domain placement is appropriate since inn and tavern keeping involves the distribution of services (lodging, food, drink) to consumers. This fits well within the economic categorization of distribution activities in Smith's framework.

## vsm_relevance — 2.0 / 5.0

This entity represents a specific type of business operator rather than a systemic function, making it largely VSM-neutral. While it operates within S1 (primary operations) of the broader economy, it doesn't naturally map to VSM systems as it's more of a concrete business role than a cybernetic function.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity provides significant explanatory value by illustrating Smith's theory of compensating wage differentials - how disagreeable working conditions lead to higher profits/wages. It demonstrates a key economic mechanism rather than merely naming a surface phenomenon.
