---
entity_slug: gradual_restoration_of_trade_freedom
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:33:34.965078'
overall_score: 4.4
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly captures a distinct policy approach - phased removal
    of trade restrictions to minimize disruption - rather than being vague or circular.
    It specifies both the method (gradual) and the rationale (avoiding hardship for
    adapted industries).
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This concept is directly grounded in Smith's actual arguments in Book
    IV, Chapter 2, where he explicitly discusses the need for gradual removal of protections
    to avoid throwing workers out of employment. The entity accurately reflects Smith's
    nuanced position on trade liberalization.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"Regulation" is the correct domain placement as this concept deals with
    the systematic approach to modifying government trade policies and restrictions.
    It represents a regulatory methodology rather than belonging to production, distribution,
    or consumption domains.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps well to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as
    it represents strategic policy adaptation based on understanding economic environment
    and consequences. It also has elements of S3 (internal regulation) in terms of
    managing the transition process systematically.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity illuminates an important mechanism for policy transition that
    balances long-term economic efficiency with short-term social stability. It explains
    how Smith reconciles his free trade advocacy with practical concerns about implementation,
    adding genuine insight into his policy framework.
---

# Evaluation: Gradual Restoration Of Trade Freedom

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly captures a distinct policy approach - phased removal of trade restrictions to minimize disruption - rather than being vague or circular. It specifies both the method (gradual) and the rationale (avoiding hardship for adapted industries).

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This concept is directly grounded in Smith's actual arguments in Book IV, Chapter 2, where he explicitly discusses the need for gradual removal of protections to avoid throwing workers out of employment. The entity accurately reflects Smith's nuanced position on trade liberalization.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"Regulation" is the correct domain placement as this concept deals with the systematic approach to modifying government trade policies and restrictions. It represents a regulatory methodology rather than belonging to production, distribution, or consumption domains.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity maps well to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as it represents strategic policy adaptation based on understanding economic environment and consequences. It also has elements of S3 (internal regulation) in terms of managing the transition process systematically.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity illuminates an important mechanism for policy transition that balances long-term economic efficiency with short-term social stability. It explains how Smith reconciles his free trade advocacy with practical concerns about implementation, adding genuine insight into his policy framework.
