---
entity_slug: corv_e
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:03:42.850610'
overall_score: 4.6
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: "The definition is highly precise and non-circular, clearly distinguishing\
    \ corv\xE9e as forced labor for public works with specific characteristics (rural\
    \ population, road repair, days of service, no monetary compensation). It captures\
    \ a distinct institutional mechanism rather than a vague concept."
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: "This entity is well-grounded in Smith's actual discussion of alternative\
    \ methods for funding public works in Book V, Chapter 1. Smith explicitly discusses\
    \ corv\xE9e labor as practiced in France and other European countries as an alternative\
    \ to monetary taxation for road maintenance."
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: "The \"Regulation\" domain assignment is correct, as corv\xE9e represents\
    \ a regulatory mechanism by which governments organize and compel labor for public\
    \ infrastructure. This fits perfectly within Smith's broader analysis of how states\
    \ can regulate and fund public works."
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: "Corv\xE9e maps well to S3 (internal regulation) as a control mechanism\
    \ for ensuring public works are completed, and potentially to S1 as an operational\
    \ method for infrastructure maintenance. It represents a clear regulatory system\
    \ rather than an abstract concept."
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides genuine explanatory power by illuminating a specific
    institutional mechanism for organizing public works that differs fundamentally
    from market-based or tax-funded approaches. It reveals how states can directly
    mobilize labor resources rather than relying on monetary intermediation.
---

# Evaluation: Corv E

## definition_precision — 5.0 / 5.0

The definition is highly precise and non-circular, clearly distinguishing corvée as forced labor for public works with specific characteristics (rural population, road repair, days of service, no monetary compensation). It captures a distinct institutional mechanism rather than a vague concept.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is well-grounded in Smith's actual discussion of alternative methods for funding public works in Book V, Chapter 1. Smith explicitly discusses corvée labor as practiced in France and other European countries as an alternative to monetary taxation for road maintenance.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain assignment is correct, as corvée represents a regulatory mechanism by which governments organize and compel labor for public infrastructure. This fits perfectly within Smith's broader analysis of how states can regulate and fund public works.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

Corvée maps well to S3 (internal regulation) as a control mechanism for ensuring public works are completed, and potentially to S1 as an operational method for infrastructure maintenance. It represents a clear regulatory system rather than an abstract concept.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity provides genuine explanatory power by illuminating a specific institutional mechanism for organizing public works that differs fundamentally from market-based or tax-funded approaches. It reveals how states can directly mobilize labor resources rather than relying on monetary intermediation.
