---
entity_slug: commercial_system_enrichment_mechanism
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:00:00.803880'
overall_score: 4.4
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly articulates the specific mercantilist mechanism
    involving precious metals accumulation through trade surpluses and government
    intervention. It avoids circularity and identifies distinct policy tools (tariffs,
    bounties, monopolies) that constitute the mechanism.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's extensive critique of mercantilism
    throughout Book IV, Chapter 3, where he systematically examines how mercantilist
    policies aim to achieve national enrichment through the described mechanisms.
    The entity accurately reflects Smith's characterization of mercantilist theory
    and practice.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement since this represents
    a comprehensive theoretical framework that mercantilists used to justify various
    specific policies. It operates at the level of overarching economic doctrine rather
    than particular mechanisms or applications.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps primarily to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation)
    as it represents a flawed national strategy for responding to international economic
    competition. However, it's somewhat abstract as a theoretical framework rather
    than an operational system component.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides excellent explanatory power by identifying the core
    logic that unified diverse mercantilist policies, helping explain why Smith viewed
    these seemingly disparate interventions as manifestations of a single misguided
    theoretical framework. It illuminates the structural relationship between mercantilist
    theory and policy practice.
---

# Evaluation: Commercial System Enrichment Mechanism

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly articulates the specific mercantilist mechanism involving precious metals accumulation through trade surpluses and government intervention. It avoids circularity and identifies distinct policy tools (tariffs, bounties, monopolies) that constitute the mechanism.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's extensive critique of mercantilism throughout Book IV, Chapter 3, where he systematically examines how mercantilist policies aim to achieve national enrichment through the described mechanisms. The entity accurately reflects Smith's characterization of mercantilist theory and practice.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement since this represents a comprehensive theoretical framework that mercantilists used to justify various specific policies. It operates at the level of overarching economic doctrine rather than particular mechanisms or applications.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity maps primarily to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as it represents a flawed national strategy for responding to international economic competition. However, it's somewhat abstract as a theoretical framework rather than an operational system component.

## explanatory_value — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity provides excellent explanatory power by identifying the core logic that unified diverse mercantilist policies, helping explain why Smith viewed these seemingly disparate interventions as manifestations of a single misguided theoretical framework. It illuminates the structural relationship between mercantilist theory and policy practice.
