---
entity_slug: modern_system_of_political_economy
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:53:52.811835'
overall_score: 3.6
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition captures a distinct shift from agricultural to commercial/manufacturing-based
    economic systems, but uses somewhat vague terms like "contemporary approach" and
    "primary drivers" without precise boundaries. It avoids circularity but could
    be more specific about what distinguishes this system from alternatives.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This appears well-grounded in Smith's actual discussion of the "system
    of commerce" as the modern approach to political economy in Book IV. The reference
    to Smith noting it's "best understood in contemporary contexts and particularly
    in his own country" suggests direct textual support.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is the appropriate domain for this overarching economic
    system concept. This represents a fundamental theoretical framework rather than
    a specific mechanism or policy, making it correctly categorized at the highest
    conceptual level.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is too abstract and system-wide to map naturally to any specific
    VSM component. It describes an entire economic paradigm rather than a functional
    subsystem, making it largely VSM-neutral despite its systemic nature.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides significant explanatory value by identifying the
    historical evolution and structural characteristics of economic systems, helping
    to contextualize Smith's analysis within a developmental framework. It illuminates
    the temporal dimension of economic organization rather than just naming a surface
    phenomenon.
---

# Evaluation: Modern System Of Political Economy

## definition_precision — 3.0 / 5.0

The definition captures a distinct shift from agricultural to commercial/manufacturing-based economic systems, but uses somewhat vague terms like "contemporary approach" and "primary drivers" without precise boundaries. It avoids circularity but could be more specific about what distinguishes this system from alternatives.

## source_grounding — 4.0 / 5.0

This appears well-grounded in Smith's actual discussion of the "system of commerce" as the modern approach to political economy in Book IV. The reference to Smith noting it's "best understood in contemporary contexts and particularly in his own country" suggests direct textual support.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is the appropriate domain for this overarching economic system concept. This represents a fundamental theoretical framework rather than a specific mechanism or policy, making it correctly categorized at the highest conceptual level.

## vsm_relevance — 2.0 / 5.0

This entity is too abstract and system-wide to map naturally to any specific VSM component. It describes an entire economic paradigm rather than a functional subsystem, making it largely VSM-neutral despite its systemic nature.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity provides significant explanatory value by identifying the historical evolution and structural characteristics of economic systems, helping to contextualize Smith's analysis within a developmental framework. It illuminates the temporal dimension of economic organization rather than just naming a surface phenomenon.
