---
entity_slug: natural_preference_cultivation
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:00:13.732953'
overall_score: 3.6
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly identifies a specific human inclination toward
    agricultural employment and land ownership over commercial pursuits. While the
    concept of "natural preference" could be more precisely operationalized, it captures
    a distinct behavioral tendency that Smith discusses.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: Smith does discuss preferences for agriculture and land ownership in
    Book III, Chapter 1, but the framing as an "inherent human inclination" and "humanity's
    original destination" may overstate or interpret Smith's observations more strongly
    than the text supports. The concept appears grounded but potentially over-interpreted.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this concept
    relates to Smith''s broader theoretical claims about human nature and economic
    behavior patterns. It''s not specific to particular markets or institutional arrangements
    but rather addresses fundamental behavioral assumptions.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity represents a behavioral preference or cultural tendency rather
    than a systemic function, making it difficult to map to any specific VSM system.
    It's more of an environmental constraint or background condition that might influence
    various systems rather than constituting a viable system component itself.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The concept provides genuine explanatory power by offering a mechanism
    (natural human preferences) to explain observed patterns in capital allocation
    and economic development. It helps illuminate why agricultural investment might
    be favored and how human nature shapes economic choices beyond pure profit maximization.
---

# Evaluation: Natural Preference Cultivation

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly identifies a specific human inclination toward agricultural employment and land ownership over commercial pursuits. While the concept of "natural preference" could be more precisely operationalized, it captures a distinct behavioral tendency that Smith discusses.

## source_grounding — 3.0 / 5.0

Smith does discuss preferences for agriculture and land ownership in Book III, Chapter 1, but the framing as an "inherent human inclination" and "humanity's original destination" may overstate or interpret Smith's observations more strongly than the text supports. The concept appears grounded but potentially over-interpreted.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this concept relates to Smith's broader theoretical claims about human nature and economic behavior patterns. It's not specific to particular markets or institutional arrangements but rather addresses fundamental behavioral assumptions.

## vsm_relevance — 2.0 / 5.0

This entity represents a behavioral preference or cultural tendency rather than a systemic function, making it difficult to map to any specific VSM system. It's more of an environmental constraint or background condition that might influence various systems rather than constituting a viable system component itself.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The concept provides genuine explanatory power by offering a mechanism (natural human preferences) to explain observed patterns in capital allocation and economic development. It helps illuminate why agricultural investment might be favored and how human nature shapes economic choices beyond pure profit maximization.
