---
entity_slug: unproductive_labourers
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:35:42.746621'
overall_score: 4.0
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly distinguishes unproductive labourers as those
    whose work doesn't create vendible commodities but provides immediate services.
    The distinction between service provision and tangible good creation is precise
    and operationally meaningful.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This concept is directly and extensively discussed in Book II, Chapter
    5 of The Wealth of Nations, where Smith explicitly categorizes different types
    of labour and provides detailed examples of unproductive versus productive work.
    The definition accurately reflects Smith's original formulation.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this concept
    represents a fundamental theoretical distinction in Smith''s economic framework
    about the nature of labour and value creation. It''s a core analytical category
    rather than a specific mechanism or policy application.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is primarily a classificatory concept about types of labour
    rather than a systemic function or operational component. While unproductive labourers
    might work within various VSM systems, the concept itself doesn't naturally map
    to any specific VSM system and remains largely VSM-neutral.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides significant explanatory power by illuminating Smith's
    theory of capital accumulation and economic growth, explaining why certain types
    of labour contribute to wealth creation while others don't. It reveals a fundamental
    structural distinction in economic analysis rather than merely naming a surface
    phenomenon.
---

# Evaluation: Unproductive Labourers

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly distinguishes unproductive labourers as those whose work doesn't create vendible commodities but provides immediate services. The distinction between service provision and tangible good creation is precise and operationally meaningful.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This concept is directly and extensively discussed in Book II, Chapter 5 of The Wealth of Nations, where Smith explicitly categorizes different types of labour and provides detailed examples of unproductive versus productive work. The definition accurately reflects Smith's original formulation.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this concept represents a fundamental theoretical distinction in Smith's economic framework about the nature of labour and value creation. It's a core analytical category rather than a specific mechanism or policy application.

## vsm_relevance — 2.0 / 5.0

This entity is primarily a classificatory concept about types of labour rather than a systemic function or operational component. While unproductive labourers might work within various VSM systems, the concept itself doesn't naturally map to any specific VSM system and remains largely VSM-neutral.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity provides significant explanatory power by illuminating Smith's theory of capital accumulation and economic growth, explaining why certain types of labour contribute to wealth creation while others don't. It reveals a fundamental structural distinction in economic analysis rather than merely naming a surface phenomenon.
