---
entity_slug: dead_stock
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:04:43.600585'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly distinguishes dead stock as non-productive capital
    and provides specific examples (idle money, circulating gold/silver). It captures
    a distinct economic concept with clear boundaries, though it could be slightly
    more precise about what constitutes "productive" use.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This concept is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book II, Chapter
    2, where he explicitly discusses how banking converts "dead stock" into productive
    capital. The distinction between individual and economy-wide dead stock reflects
    Smith's actual analysis.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: Placement in the "Accumulation" domain is highly appropriate since dead
    stock represents a form of capital accumulation that is temporarily unproductive.
    This fits perfectly within Smith's broader discussion of capital formation and
    deployment.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: Dead stock has moderate VSM relevance, potentially mapping to S3 (internal
    regulation) as it represents inefficient resource allocation that needs monitoring
    and correction. However, it's more of an economic state than a clear systemic
    function.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: "This entity provides significant explanatory power by illuminating the\
    \ mechanism through which banking increases economic productivity\u2014converting\
    \ idle capital into active investment. It helps explain a key structural relationship\
    \ in Smith's theory of capital efficiency."
---

# Evaluation: Dead Stock

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly distinguishes dead stock as non-productive capital and provides specific examples (idle money, circulating gold/silver). It captures a distinct economic concept with clear boundaries, though it could be slightly more precise about what constitutes "productive" use.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This concept is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book II, Chapter 2, where he explicitly discusses how banking converts "dead stock" into productive capital. The distinction between individual and economy-wide dead stock reflects Smith's actual analysis.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

Placement in the "Accumulation" domain is highly appropriate since dead stock represents a form of capital accumulation that is temporarily unproductive. This fits perfectly within Smith's broader discussion of capital formation and deployment.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

Dead stock has moderate VSM relevance, potentially mapping to S3 (internal regulation) as it represents inefficient resource allocation that needs monitoring and correction. However, it's more of an economic state than a clear systemic function.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity provides significant explanatory power by illuminating the mechanism through which banking increases economic productivity—converting idle capital into active investment. It helps explain a key structural relationship in Smith's theory of capital efficiency.