---
entity_slug: colony_economic_system_objectives
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T04:54:56.215505'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition identifies a distinct concept about colonial policy goals
    but remains somewhat vague with phrases like "misaligned with actual interests"
    and "mercantilist misconceptions." It could be more precise about what specific
    objectives Smith critiques and how they differ from what he considers proper objectives.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity appears well-grounded in Smith's actual critique of colonial
    policy in Book V, Chapter 3, where he extensively discusses how mercantilist principles
    guide colonial economic systems in ways that harm both parties. The reference
    to mercantilist misconceptions aligns with Smith's documented arguments.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Regulation" domain assignment is highly appropriate since this entity
    concerns policy objectives that guide regulatory frameworks for colonial economic
    systems. This fits perfectly within the regulatory/governance conceptual category.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps clearly to VSM System 5 (identity/policy), as it deals
    with the fundamental objectives and purposes that define what a colonial economic
    system is trying to achieve. These objectives represent the highest-level policy
    decisions that shape all other system operations.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides good explanatory value by highlighting the structural
    problem that colonial systems are designed around flawed objectives, which helps
    explain why these systems produce suboptimal outcomes. It illuminates a key mechanism
    of systemic dysfunction rather than just describing surface phenomena.
---

# Evaluation: Colony Economic System Objectives

## definition_precision — 3.0 / 5.0

The definition identifies a distinct concept about colonial policy goals but remains somewhat vague with phrases like "misaligned with actual interests" and "mercantilist misconceptions." It could be more precise about what specific objectives Smith critiques and how they differ from what he considers proper objectives.

## source_grounding — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity appears well-grounded in Smith's actual critique of colonial policy in Book V, Chapter 3, where he extensively discusses how mercantilist principles guide colonial economic systems in ways that harm both parties. The reference to mercantilist misconceptions aligns with Smith's documented arguments.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain assignment is highly appropriate since this entity concerns policy objectives that guide regulatory frameworks for colonial economic systems. This fits perfectly within the regulatory/governance conceptual category.

## vsm_relevance — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity maps clearly to VSM System 5 (identity/policy), as it deals with the fundamental objectives and purposes that define what a colonial economic system is trying to achieve. These objectives represent the highest-level policy decisions that shape all other system operations.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides good explanatory value by highlighting the structural problem that colonial systems are designed around flawed objectives, which helps explain why these systems produce suboptimal outcomes. It illuminates a key mechanism of systemic dysfunction rather than just describing surface phenomena.
