---
entity_slug: public_good_versus_private_interest
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:13:11.035287'
overall_score: 4.6
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly articulates a specific tension between particular
    interests and general welfare, avoiding circularity. It could be slightly more
    precise about what constitutes "general welfare" but captures a distinct conceptual
    relationship.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This concept is deeply grounded in Smith's actual arguments throughout
    Book IV, where he repeatedly demonstrates how mercantilist policies benefiting
    specific groups harm overall prosperity. The invisible hand mechanism directly
    addresses this tension between private and public interest.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this represents
    one of Smith''s fundamental theoretical insights that cuts across multiple specific
    economic areas. This tension is a core organizing principle of his entire analytical
    framework.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps well to S5 (identity/policy) as it concerns fundamental
    questions about what policies serve the system's overall identity and purpose.
    It also relates to S4 (intelligence) in terms of understanding the broader consequences
    of particular interventions.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: "This entity illuminates a crucial structural mechanism in Smith's theory\u2014\
    how the alignment or misalignment of interests affects economic outcomes. It explains\
    \ why certain policies fail and provides a framework for evaluating economic interventions\
    \ beyond their immediate beneficiaries."
---

# Evaluation: Public Good Versus Private Interest

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly articulates a specific tension between particular interests and general welfare, avoiding circularity. It could be slightly more precise about what constitutes "general welfare" but captures a distinct conceptual relationship.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This concept is deeply grounded in Smith's actual arguments throughout Book IV, where he repeatedly demonstrates how mercantilist policies benefiting specific groups harm overall prosperity. The invisible hand mechanism directly addresses this tension between private and public interest.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this represents one of Smith's fundamental theoretical insights that cuts across multiple specific economic areas. This tension is a core organizing principle of his entire analytical framework.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity maps well to S5 (identity/policy) as it concerns fundamental questions about what policies serve the system's overall identity and purpose. It also relates to S4 (intelligence) in terms of understanding the broader consequences of particular interventions.

## explanatory_value — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity illuminates a crucial structural mechanism in Smith's theory—how the alignment or misalignment of interests affects economic outcomes. It explains why certain policies fail and provides a framework for evaluating economic interventions beyond their immediate beneficiaries.
