---
entity_slug: superfluity
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:27:46.692317'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly distinguishes superfluity as surplus production
    beyond personal consumption needs that enables exchange. It avoids circularity
    and captures a specific economic concept with clear boundaries.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This concept is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book I, Chapter
    4, where he explicitly discusses how division of labour creates surpluses that
    individuals can exchange. The entity accurately reflects Smith's actual argument
    about the foundations of commercial society.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"Production" is an appropriate domain since superfluity emerges from
    the productive process and division of labour. However, it could also reasonably
    belong in an "Exchange" domain since its primary significance is enabling trade.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: Superfluity maps reasonably well to S1 (primary operations) as it represents
    the output of productive activities, but it also relates to S4 (environmental
    adaptation) as surplus enables market exchange and adaptation. The mapping is
    not as clear-cut as more operational concepts.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides excellent explanatory power by illuminating the
    fundamental mechanism that enables the transition from subsistence to commercial
    society. It explains how division of labour creates the material basis for exchange
    and market development.
---

# Evaluation: Superfluity

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly distinguishes superfluity as surplus production beyond personal consumption needs that enables exchange. It avoids circularity and captures a specific economic concept with clear boundaries.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This concept is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book I, Chapter 4, where he explicitly discusses how division of labour creates surpluses that individuals can exchange. The entity accurately reflects Smith's actual argument about the foundations of commercial society.

## domain_placement — 4.0 / 5.0

"Production" is an appropriate domain since superfluity emerges from the productive process and division of labour. However, it could also reasonably belong in an "Exchange" domain since its primary significance is enabling trade.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

Superfluity maps reasonably well to S1 (primary operations) as it represents the output of productive activities, but it also relates to S4 (environmental adaptation) as surplus enables market exchange and adaptation. The mapping is not as clear-cut as more operational concepts.

## explanatory_value — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity provides excellent explanatory power by illuminating the fundamental mechanism that enables the transition from subsistence to commercial society. It explains how division of labour creates the material basis for exchange and market development.
