---
entity_slug: economic_prosperity_symptoms
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:11:30.239869'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly identifies specific, measurable indicators (high
    wages, increasing population, liberal reward of labour) rather than vague concepts.
    It avoids circularity by defining prosperity symptoms through concrete observable
    phenomena rather than abstract notions of "wealth."
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's Book I, Chapter 8, which
    explicitly discusses these indicators as "symptoms" of increasing national wealth.
    Smith specifically contrasts thriving economies (marked by high wages and population
    growth) with stagnant or declining ones.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this entity
    represents fundamental theoretical indicators that cut across multiple economic
    sectors. These symptoms are not specific to particular industries but rather general
    markers of overall economic health.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity functions primarily as S4 (intelligence) indicators that
    help assess environmental conditions and economic performance. However, it's somewhat
    VSM-neutral as it describes observable outcomes rather than active system functions
    or regulatory mechanisms.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides significant explanatory value by identifying concrete
    diagnostic criteria for economic health, enabling differentiation between thriving
    and struggling economies. While it describes symptoms rather than underlying mechanisms,
    these indicators are crucial for understanding economic dynamics and policy effectiveness.
---

# Evaluation: Economic Prosperity Symptoms

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly identifies specific, measurable indicators (high wages, increasing population, liberal reward of labour) rather than vague concepts. It avoids circularity by defining prosperity symptoms through concrete observable phenomena rather than abstract notions of "wealth."

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's Book I, Chapter 8, which explicitly discusses these indicators as "symptoms" of increasing national wealth. Smith specifically contrasts thriving economies (marked by high wages and population growth) with stagnant or declining ones.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this entity represents fundamental theoretical indicators that cut across multiple economic sectors. These symptoms are not specific to particular industries but rather general markers of overall economic health.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity functions primarily as S4 (intelligence) indicators that help assess environmental conditions and economic performance. However, it's somewhat VSM-neutral as it describes observable outcomes rather than active system functions or regulatory mechanisms.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides significant explanatory value by identifying concrete diagnostic criteria for economic health, enabling differentiation between thriving and struggling economies. While it describes symptoms rather than underlying mechanisms, these indicators are crucial for understanding economic dynamics and policy effectiveness.