---
entity_slug: export_of_gold_and_silver_prohibition_effects
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:25:54.842868'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly identifies a specific economic phenomenon - the
    unintended consequences of government restrictions on precious metal exports.
    It avoids circularity and captures the key insight that such prohibitions typically
    fail and create market distortions.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's explicit arguments in Book
    IV, Chapter 6, where he specifically discusses how prohibitions on gold and silver
    exports are ineffective because these metals flow to where they have highest value.
    The entity accurately reflects Smith's actual reasoning and examples.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"Regulation" is the correct domain placement as this entity specifically
    concerns government regulatory interventions in markets and their economic effects.
    It fits squarely within Smith''s broader critique of mercantile trade restrictions.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S4 (intelligence/environmental
    adaptation) as it concerns how economic systems respond to regulatory constraints
    by finding alternative pathways. However, it could also relate to S3 (internal
    regulation) regarding the ineffectiveness of control mechanisms.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides strong explanatory value by illuminating a specific
    mechanism - how market forces circumvent artificial restrictions through price
    differentials. It demonstrates a broader principle about the futility of fighting
    market forces rather than just naming a surface phenomenon.
---

# Evaluation: Export Of Gold And Silver Prohibition Effects

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly identifies a specific economic phenomenon - the unintended consequences of government restrictions on precious metal exports. It avoids circularity and captures the key insight that such prohibitions typically fail and create market distortions.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's explicit arguments in Book IV, Chapter 6, where he specifically discusses how prohibitions on gold and silver exports are ineffective because these metals flow to where they have highest value. The entity accurately reflects Smith's actual reasoning and examples.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"Regulation" is the correct domain placement as this entity specifically concerns government regulatory interventions in markets and their economic effects. It fits squarely within Smith's broader critique of mercantile trade restrictions.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as it concerns how economic systems respond to regulatory constraints by finding alternative pathways. However, it could also relate to S3 (internal regulation) regarding the ineffectiveness of control mechanisms.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides strong explanatory value by illuminating a specific mechanism - how market forces circumvent artificial restrictions through price differentials. It demonstrates a broader principle about the futility of fighting market forces rather than just naming a surface phenomenon.
