---
entity_slug: natural_course_of_things
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:58:30.418885'
overall_score: 4.4
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly articulates a specific concept - the natural progression
    of economic development from agriculture through manufacturing to foreign trade
    when unimpeded by institutional interference. While comprehensive, it could be
    slightly more concise, but it successfully avoids circularity and captures a distinct
    theoretical construct.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book III, Chapter
    1, where he explicitly discusses the "natural course of things" and contrasts
    it with actual historical development patterns. The definition accurately reflects
    Smith's argument about the logical sequence of economic development and the role
    of security preferences.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this concept
    represents a foundational theoretical framework that underpins Smith''s broader
    analysis of economic development. It''s not specific to any particular economic
    sector but rather describes the overarching pattern of how economies naturally
    evolve.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity has moderate VSM relevance, potentially mapping to S4 (intelligence/environmental
    adaptation) as it describes how economic systems naturally adapt and evolve in
    response to environmental conditions. However, it's somewhat abstract and could
    also be viewed as a meta-principle that operates across multiple VSM systems.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides significant explanatory power by establishing a
    theoretical benchmark against which actual economic development can be measured
    and understood. It illuminates the underlying mechanisms driving economic evolution
    and helps explain why certain development patterns are distorted or suboptimal.
---

# Evaluation: Natural Course Of Things

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly articulates a specific concept - the natural progression of economic development from agriculture through manufacturing to foreign trade when unimpeded by institutional interference. While comprehensive, it could be slightly more concise, but it successfully avoids circularity and captures a distinct theoretical construct.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book III, Chapter 1, where he explicitly discusses the "natural course of things" and contrasts it with actual historical development patterns. The definition accurately reflects Smith's argument about the logical sequence of economic development and the role of security preferences.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this concept represents a foundational theoretical framework that underpins Smith's broader analysis of economic development. It's not specific to any particular economic sector but rather describes the overarching pattern of how economies naturally evolve.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity has moderate VSM relevance, potentially mapping to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as it describes how economic systems naturally adapt and evolve in response to environmental conditions. However, it's somewhat abstract and could also be viewed as a meta-principle that operates across multiple VSM systems.

## explanatory_value — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity provides significant explanatory power by establishing a theoretical benchmark against which actual economic development can be measured and understood. It illuminates the underlying mechanisms driving economic evolution and helps explain why certain development patterns are distorted or suboptimal.
