1450 lines
31 KiB
Markdown
1450 lines
31 KiB
Markdown
--- ENTITY: bounty ---
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# Bounty
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## Definition
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A government subsidy paid to merchants or manufacturers to encourage the
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exportation of specific goods, designed to make domestic products more
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competitive in foreign markets by compensating for selling below cost price.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith's central focus in this chapter is critiquing the mercantile system's
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use of bounties as a means of enriching the nation through the balance of
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trade. He argues that bounties force trade into less advantageous channels
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and that they cannot genuinely lower the price of commodities in the home
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market.
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## Economic Domain
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Regulation
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---
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--- ENTITY: mercantile system ---
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# Mercantile System
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## Definition
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An economic doctrine that seeks to enrich the nation by promoting exports
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and restricting imports, based on the belief that national wealth consists
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of accumulated precious metals and that a favourable balance of trade is
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essential for prosperity.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith presents the mercantile system as the intellectual framework that
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justifies bounties and other trade restrictions. He systematically
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criticizes its core assumptions about wealth creation and trade balance.
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## Economic Domain
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General Theory
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---
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--- ENTITY: balance of trade ---
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# Balance of Trade
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## Definition
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The difference between the value of a nation's exports and imports, with
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mercantilist theory holding that a favourable balance (more exports than
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imports) enriches the nation by bringing in precious metals.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith critiques the mercantilist obsession with the balance of trade,
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arguing that it leads to harmful policies like bounties and export
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restrictions that ultimately impoverish rather than enrich the nation.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: forced corn trade ---
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# Forced Corn Trade
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## Definition
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The export of corn made artificially profitable through government bounties,
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creating a trade that would not occur naturally in the market and that
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requires public subsidy to sustain.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith uses the corn bounty as a primary example of how forced trade, while
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appearing beneficial through higher export values, actually imposes hidden
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costs on society through capital consumption and market distortion.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: nominal price ---
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# Nominal Price
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## Definition
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The money price of a commodity expressed in currency units, which may
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fluctuate independently of the commodity's real value or purchasing power.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith distinguishes between nominal and real prices throughout his analysis
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of bounties, arguing that bounties affect nominal prices while potentially
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degrading the real value of silver and other commodities.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: real price ---
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# Real Price
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## Definition
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The value of a commodity measured by the quantity of labour it can command
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or the amount of subsistence it can provide, representing its true economic
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worth independent of monetary fluctuations.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith emphasizes that real prices, not nominal prices, determine actual
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wealth and prosperity, using this distinction to critique bounties that
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raise nominal prices while potentially lowering real values.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: degradation of silver ---
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# Degradation of Silver
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## Definition
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The reduction in silver's purchasing power relative to other commodities,
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occurring when artificial policies like bounties increase the nominal price
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of goods without increasing their real value.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith argues that bounties degrade silver's value by forcing up the nominal
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price of corn, which serves as the regulator of all other commodity prices,
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thereby reducing silver's ability to purchase home-made goods.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: inland corn dealer ---
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# Inland Corn Dealer
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## Definition
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A merchant who buys corn from farmers and sells it to consumers within the
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same country, performing the essential function of distributing grain from
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areas of surplus to areas of scarcity.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith defends the inland corn dealer's role in the market, arguing that
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their interests align with the public good and that restrictions on their
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trade only harm the people they serve.
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## Economic Domain
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Distribution
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---
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--- ENTITY: merchant-carrier ---
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# Merchant-Carrier
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## Definition
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A trader who imports foreign corn into a country specifically to export it
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again, using the nation as a temporary storage and distribution point for
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international trade.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith discusses how bounties and trade restrictions affect the merchant-carrier
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trade, noting that while it doesn't directly supply the home market, it can
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indirectly contribute to market stability through international distribution.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: sea-sticks ---
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# Sea-Sticks
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## Definition
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Herrings caught and cured at sea during fishing voyages, requiring additional
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processing and salting before becoming merchantable for market sale.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith uses sea-sticks as an example in his critique of herring fishery bounties,
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showing how government subsidies can distort natural market prices and
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encourage inefficient production methods.
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## Economic Domain
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Production
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---
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--- ENTITY: merchantable herrings ---
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# Merchantable Herrings
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## Definition
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Herrings that have been properly processed, repacked, and prepared for
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commercial sale, typically requiring additional salting and packaging beyond
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the initial sea-curing process.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith contrasts merchantable herrings with sea-sticks to demonstrate how
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bounties can create artificial price structures in the fishing industry,
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making government-subsidized products appear more expensive than they
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naturally would be.
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## Economic Domain
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Production
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---
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--- ENTITY: buss-fishery ---
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# Buss-Fishery
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## Definition
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A method of herring fishing conducted from decked vessels of twenty to eighty
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tons burden, typically involving longer voyages and larger-scale operations
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than smaller boat fisheries.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith criticizes the buss-fishery bounty system, arguing that it
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artificially favors large-scale operations over more efficient small boat
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fisheries better suited to Scotland's geography and market needs.
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## Economic Domain
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Production
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---
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--- ENTITY: boat-fishery ---
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# Boat-Fishery
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## Definition
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A method of herring fishing using smaller boats that can quickly bring
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catches ashore for immediate curing or consumption, better adapted to
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coastal communities and local market conditions.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith argues that boat-fisheries are more naturally suited to Scotland's
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geography than buss-fisheries, but bounties have ruined this traditional
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method by making large-scale operations artificially profitable.
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## Economic Domain
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Production
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---
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--- ENTITY: joint-stock company ---
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# Joint-Stock Company
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## Definition
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A business organisation where capital is contributed by multiple shareholders
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who share in the profits and losses, often established with special government
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privileges or monopolies.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith uses the example of the white herring fishery joint-stock company to
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show how government bounties and special privileges can lead to inefficient
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capital allocation and eventual business failure.
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## Economic Domain
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General Theory
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---
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--- ENTITY: tonnage bounty ---
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# Tonnage Bounty
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## Definition
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A subsidy paid to shipping operations based on the burden or carrying
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capacity of vessels, rather than on actual productivity or success in the
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fishing enterprise.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith criticizes tonnage bounties for encouraging inefficient use of capital,
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as ship owners may focus on qualifying for subsidies rather than on actual
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productive fishing activities.
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## Economic Domain
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Regulation
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---
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--- ENTITY: drawback ---
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# Drawback
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## Definition
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A refund of duties paid on imported goods when those goods are subsequently
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exported, designed to prevent double taxation and encourage re-export trade.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith distinguishes drawbacks from bounties, noting that drawbacks simply
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return money already paid rather than providing additional subsidies, though
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both can be subject to fraudulent abuse.
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## Economic Domain
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Regulation
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---
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--- ENTITY: engrossing ---
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# Engrossing
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## Definition
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The practice of buying up large quantities of a commodity, particularly
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corn, with the intent to sell again at a profit, often viewed with suspicion
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as potentially manipulating market prices.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith defends engrossing as a legitimate market activity that helps
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distribute goods from areas of surplus to areas of scarcity, arguing that
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restrictions on this practice only harm the public interest.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: forestalling ---
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# Forestalling
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## Definition
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The practice of buying goods before they reach the market, particularly
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corn, with the intent to resell at a higher price, historically prohibited
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by law as a form of market manipulation.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith argues that forestalling prohibitions are misguided, as merchants who
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buy early are often providing a valuable service by anticipating future
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scarcity and helping to distribute goods more efficiently.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: temporary statutes ---
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# Temporary Statutes
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## Definition
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Short-term legislative measures enacted to address immediate economic
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emergencies, such as suspending export prohibitions or import duties
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during periods of scarcity.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith uses the frequent need for temporary statutes to modify corn trade
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laws as evidence that the general system is fundamentally flawed and
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requires constant correction.
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## Economic Domain
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Regulation
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---
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--- ENTITY: smuggling ---
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# Smuggling
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## Definition
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The illegal importation or exportation of goods to avoid customs duties or
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prohibitions, often becoming a major channel for trade when legal restrictions
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are too severe.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith discusses how prohibitions on gold and silver export in Spain and
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Portugal create smuggling opportunities and raise the value of precious
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metals in other countries, harming the prohibiting nations.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: free trade ---
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# Free Trade
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## Definition
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The unrestricted exchange of goods and services across borders without
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government-imposed tariffs, quotas, or other barriers to commerce.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith advocates for free trade as the natural state that best serves the
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public interest, arguing that restrictions like bounties and prohibitions
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only create artificial inefficiencies and higher prices.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: home market ---
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# Home Market
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## Definition
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The domestic market within a country where goods are bought and sold among
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its own inhabitants, as distinguished from foreign or international markets.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith emphasizes the importance of the home market as the primary and most
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significant market for most goods, particularly agricultural products, and
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argues that policies should prioritize its efficient functioning.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: foreign market ---
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# Foreign Market
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## Definition
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International markets outside a country's borders where domestic producers
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sell goods to foreign buyers, often subject to different competitive
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conditions and trade regulations.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith discusses how bounties artificially expand foreign markets at the
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expense of the home market, arguing that this misallocation of resources
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ultimately harms national prosperity.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: public revenue ---
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# Public Revenue
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## Definition
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The funds collected by government through taxation and other means to finance
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public expenditures and services.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith examines how bounties and trade restrictions burden public revenue,
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arguing that these policies impose heavy taxes on the population while
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providing questionable benefits to specific interest groups.
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## Economic Domain
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Distribution
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---
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--- ENTITY: extraordinary expense ---
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# Extraordinary Expense
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## Definition
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Government expenditures beyond normal operating costs, particularly those
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incurred for special purposes like paying bounties or subsidies to specific
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industries or traders.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith argues that the extraordinary expenses of bounties represent only a
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small part of their total cost to society, with the larger burden coming
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from market distortions and capital misallocation.
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## Economic Domain
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Distribution
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---
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--- ENTITY: capital of the farmer ---
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# Capital of the Farmer
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## Definition
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The financial resources employed by agricultural producers for cultivation,
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including funds for seeds, equipment, livestock, and labor necessary for
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crop production.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith emphasizes that the true cost of bounties includes not just the
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government payments but also the capital invested by farmers, which must be
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adequately compensated for the trade to be genuinely beneficial.
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## Economic Domain
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Production
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---
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--- ENTITY: ordinary profits of stock ---
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# Ordinary Profits of Stock
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## Definition
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The normal rate of return that capital can expect to earn in a particular
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trade or industry under competitive market conditions, serving as a benchmark
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for evaluating investment opportunities.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith uses ordinary profits as a standard for determining whether bounties
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are necessary, arguing that trades earning ordinary profits don't require
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subsidies, while those earning below this rate may indicate fundamental
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unprofitability.
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## Economic Domain
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Distribution
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---
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--- ENTITY: money price of corn ---
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# Money Price of Corn
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## Definition
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The price of grain expressed in monetary units, which serves as the
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fundamental regulator of prices for all other commodities in the economy.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith argues that the money price of corn determines the money prices of
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labor and all other goods, making it a crucial variable in understanding
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how bounties affect the entire price structure of the economy.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: real value of silver ---
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# Real Value of Silver
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## Definition
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The purchasing power of silver measured by the quantity of goods and
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services it can command, which may fluctuate independently of its nominal
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monetary value.
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## Source Chapter
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Book IV, Chapter 5
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## Context
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Smith argues that bounties degrade the real value of silver by forcing up
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the nominal price of corn, thereby reducing silver's ability to purchase
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other commodities in the home market.
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## Economic Domain
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Exchange
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---
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--- ENTITY: money price of labour ---
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# Money Price of Labour
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## Definition
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|
|
The wage rate paid to workers expressed in monetary units, which must be
|
|
sufficient to enable labourers to purchase necessary subsistence for
|
|
themselves and their families.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith explains how the money price of corn regulates the money price of
|
|
labour, as wages must be sufficient to purchase the necessary quantity of
|
|
corn for subsistence.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
Distribution
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: home made commodities ---
|
|
|
|
# Home Made Commodities
|
|
|
|
## Definition
|
|
|
|
Goods produced domestically within a country through local industry and
|
|
manufacturing, as distinguished from imported foreign products.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith argues that bounties on exported corn raise the price of home made
|
|
commodities by increasing the money price of corn, which serves as the
|
|
regulator of all domestic prices.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
Production
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: foreign commodities ---
|
|
|
|
# Foreign Commodities
|
|
|
|
## Definition
|
|
|
|
Goods produced in other countries and imported for domestic consumption,
|
|
often competing with locally manufactured products in the home market.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith notes that while bounties may give some advantage in purchasing
|
|
foreign commodities due to the degradation of silver, they provide no
|
|
benefit for home made goods and actually make them more expensive.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: inland trade ---
|
|
|
|
# Inland Trade
|
|
|
|
## Definition
|
|
|
|
Commercial exchange that occurs within a country's borders, moving goods
|
|
from areas of production to areas of consumption through domestic
|
|
transportation and distribution networks.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith emphasizes the importance of inland trade, particularly in corn,
|
|
arguing that it is more significant for national prosperity than foreign
|
|
trade and should be protected and encouraged rather than restricted.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: exportation trade ---
|
|
|
|
# Exportation Trade
|
|
|
|
## Definition
|
|
|
|
The commercial activity of selling domestic goods to foreign buyers,
|
|
typically encouraged by government policies like bounties that make
|
|
exporting more profitable than domestic sales.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith criticizes exportation trade promoted by bounties as forcing capital
|
|
into less advantageous channels, arguing that it often comes at the expense
|
|
of the more important home market.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: importation trade ---
|
|
|
|
# Importation Trade
|
|
|
|
## Definition
|
|
|
|
The commercial activity of bringing foreign goods into a country for
|
|
domestic consumption, often restricted by tariffs and prohibitions but
|
|
occasionally liberalized during periods of scarcity.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith discusses how importation trade can help supply the home market during
|
|
scarcity, but argues that the inland trade is generally more important for
|
|
national prosperity than foreign trade.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: carrying trade ---
|
|
|
|
# Carrying Trade
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The commercial activity of transporting goods between foreign countries,
|
|
using one nation's ships and capital to facilitate trade between other
|
|
nations without direct involvement in production or final consumption.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith discusses how carrying trade can make a nation a "magazine and
|
|
storehouse" for other countries, potentially benefiting from the storage
|
|
and distribution services even when not directly involved in production.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: warehouse system ---
|
|
|
|
# Warehouse System
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
A storage and distribution arrangement where imported goods are held in
|
|
bonded warehouses under government supervision, allowing for temporary
|
|
storage before re-exportation without payment of import duties.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith mentions the warehouse system as a mechanism that facilitates the
|
|
carrying trade by allowing merchants to store goods duty-free while
|
|
arranging for their re-exportation to other markets.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: public good versus private interest ---
|
|
|
|
# Public Good Versus Private Interest
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The tension between policies that benefit specific commercial interests
|
|
and those that serve the broader welfare of society, often manifested in
|
|
conflicts between merchants seeking special privileges and the general
|
|
public bearing the costs.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith consistently argues throughout the chapter that bounties and trade
|
|
restrictions benefit private interests at public expense, creating a
|
|
fundamental misalignment between individual profit-seeking and national
|
|
prosperity.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: natural liberty in trade ---
|
|
|
|
# Natural Liberty in Trade
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The freedom of individuals to engage in commerce and exchange without
|
|
government interference, allowing market forces to determine prices,
|
|
production, and distribution through voluntary transactions.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith advocates for natural liberty in trade as the ideal condition that
|
|
maximizes efficiency and prosperity, arguing that artificial restrictions
|
|
like bounties only create inefficiencies and higher prices.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: artificial direction of industry ---
|
|
|
|
# Artificial Direction of Industry
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
Government policies and regulations that attempt to channel economic activity
|
|
into specific sectors or trades, overriding the natural market preferences
|
|
of individuals and businesses.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith criticizes bounties and trade restrictions as artificial directions
|
|
of industry that force capital and labor into less advantageous channels
|
|
than they would naturally choose in a free market.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: natural course of things ---
|
|
|
|
# Natural Course of Things
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The spontaneous economic order that emerges when individuals are free to
|
|
pursue their own interests through voluntary exchange, without government
|
|
intervention or artificial direction.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith contrasts the natural course of economic development with the
|
|
artificial interventions of the mercantile system, arguing that the former
|
|
leads to greater prosperity and efficiency.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: public tranquillity ---
|
|
|
|
# Public Tranquillity
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The social peace and stability maintained by government through the
|
|
establishment of economic systems and regulations that are acceptable to
|
|
the general population, even when those systems may not be economically
|
|
optimal.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith acknowledges that governments must sometimes establish economic
|
|
systems that align with popular prejudices rather than economic efficiency,
|
|
in order to maintain social stability and prevent unrest.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: political arithmetic ---
|
|
|
|
# Political Arithmetic
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The quantitative analysis of economic and political phenomena through
|
|
statistical measurement and numerical calculation, used to evaluate the
|
|
effects of policies and institutions.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith expresses skepticism about the precision of political arithmetic,
|
|
while still using numerical examples to illustrate his arguments about the
|
|
relative importance of different types of trade.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: economic development sequence ---
|
|
|
|
# Economic Development Sequence
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The natural progression of economic activity from subsistence agriculture
|
|
through manufacturing to foreign trade, with each stage building upon and
|
|
supporting the previous ones in a hierarchical development pattern.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith argues that economic development follows a natural sequence that
|
|
should not be inverted by artificial policies, with inland trade and
|
|
domestic manufacturing preceding and supporting foreign commerce.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: market size threshold ---
|
|
|
|
# Market Size Threshold
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The minimum scale of commercial exchange necessary to support specialized
|
|
production and the division of labor, beyond which economic efficiency and
|
|
productivity can increase dramatically.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith discusses how bounties and trade restrictions can affect market size
|
|
and the ability of producers to achieve the scale necessary for efficient
|
|
specialization and productivity gains.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
Exchange
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: variety of talents ---
|
|
|
|
# Variety of Talents
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The diverse skills, abilities, and specializations that individuals develop
|
|
through the division of labor, creating a complex web of complementary
|
|
capabilities within an economy.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith emphasizes how the variety of talents developed through specialization
|
|
contributes to economic productivity, arguing that artificial restrictions
|
|
on trade can limit the development and utilization of these diverse skills.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
Production
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: requisite variety ---
|
|
|
|
# Requisite Variety
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The principle that effective regulation requires the controlling system to
|
|
possess at least as much complexity and adaptability as the system being
|
|
controlled, ensuring adequate responsiveness to changing conditions.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
While not using the modern term, Smith's arguments about the need for
|
|
flexible and responsive economic policies that can adapt to changing
|
|
conditions reflect the principle of requisite variety in economic regulation.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: economic autonomy ---
|
|
|
|
# Economic Autonomy
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The degree of freedom granted to economic actors to make decisions about
|
|
production, exchange, and investment without external interference or
|
|
coercion from government authorities or other controlling entities.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith advocates for maximum economic autonomy consistent with systemic
|
|
stability, arguing that individuals are best positioned to make decisions
|
|
about their own economic interests.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: systemic stability ---
|
|
|
|
# Systemic Stability
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The capacity of an economic system to maintain its essential functions and
|
|
relationships while adapting to external changes and internal pressures,
|
|
preventing collapse or severe dysfunction.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith's analysis of bounties and trade restrictions is fundamentally about
|
|
maintaining systemic stability while avoiding the artificial instabilities
|
|
created by government interventions in natural market processes.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: economic identity ---
|
|
|
|
# Economic Identity
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The distinctive character and purpose of an economic system, shaped by its
|
|
core values, institutional arrangements, and the philosophical principles
|
|
that guide its development and operation.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith contrasts the economic identity of free market systems with that of
|
|
mercantilist systems, arguing that the former better serves the genuine
|
|
interests of society while the latter serves narrow commercial interests.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: policy closure ---
|
|
|
|
# Policy Closure
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The definitive establishment of economic policies and institutional frameworks
|
|
that provide stability and predictability for economic actors while
|
|
preventing endless revision and uncertainty.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith discusses how temporary statutes and frequent policy changes create
|
|
uncertainty that undermines economic planning and investment, arguing for
|
|
more stable and predictable policy frameworks.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
Regulation
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: environmental scanning ---
|
|
|
|
# Environmental Scanning
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The systematic monitoring of external economic conditions, market trends,
|
|
and competitive forces to inform strategic decision-making and policy
|
|
development in response to changing circumstances.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith's analysis of how bounties affect different market conditions and
|
|
seasonal variations reflects the importance of environmental scanning in
|
|
understanding the complex effects of economic policies.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: strategic planning ---
|
|
|
|
# Strategic Planning
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The process of developing long-term economic policies and institutional
|
|
arrangements that anticipate future conditions and align current actions
|
|
with desired long-term outcomes.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith's critique of bounties as short-sighted policies that fail to consider
|
|
long-term consequences reflects the importance of strategic planning in
|
|
economic policy development.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: economic system governance ---
|
|
|
|
# Economic System Governance
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The institutional arrangements and decision-making processes that determine
|
|
how economic policies are formulated, implemented, and enforced within a
|
|
society.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith's analysis of how different governance structures affect economic
|
|
outcomes, particularly the contrast between free market governance and
|
|
mercantilist control, highlights the importance of institutional design.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: economic system adaptation ---
|
|
|
|
# Economic System Adaptation
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The capacity of economic institutions and policies to evolve and adjust in
|
|
response to changing conditions, technological developments, and new
|
|
understanding of economic relationships.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith discusses how economic systems must adapt to changing conditions,
|
|
particularly in response to market signals and the natural development of
|
|
trade relationships, rather than being locked into rigid institutional
|
|
frameworks.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: economic system effectiveness ---
|
|
|
|
# Economic System Effectiveness
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The degree to which an economic system achieves its intended objectives,
|
|
such as promoting prosperity, ensuring stability, and serving the interests
|
|
of the broader society rather than narrow special interests.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith's entire analysis in this chapter is fundamentally about evaluating
|
|
the effectiveness of different economic systems and policies, particularly
|
|
the contrast between free market outcomes and mercantilist interventions.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: economic system efficiency ---
|
|
|
|
# Economic System Efficiency
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The optimal allocation of resources within an economic system to maximize
|
|
output and minimize waste, typically achieved through competitive market
|
|
processes that reward productive activity and penalize inefficiency.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith's critique of bounties centers on their inefficiency in resource
|
|
allocation, arguing that they force capital and labor into less productive
|
|
channels than would occur naturally in competitive markets.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|
|
---
|
|
--- ENTITY: economic system sustainability ---
|
|
|
|
# Economic System Sustainability
|
|
|
|
# Definition
|
|
|
|
The ability of an economic system to maintain its productive capacity and
|
|
social stability over time without depleting resources or creating
|
|
unsustainable dependencies on government intervention.
|
|
|
|
## Source Chapter
|
|
|
|
Book IV, Chapter 5
|
|
|
|
## Context
|
|
|
|
Smith argues that bounty systems create unsustainable dependencies that
|
|
ultimately undermine the long-term viability of the industries they purport
|
|
to support, making them economically unsustainable.
|
|
|
|
## Economic Domain
|
|
|
|
General Theory
|
|
|