---
entity_slug: political_economy
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:07:08.792206'
overall_score: 4.4
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly identifies political economy's dual objectives
    (providing subsistence for people and revenue for the state) and distinguishes
    it as a science for statesmen/legislators. While comprehensive, it could be slightly
    more concise in distinguishing political economy from pure economics.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's explicit definition from
    the introduction to Book IV, where he specifically outlines these two objects
    of political economy. The definition closely follows Smith's own language and
    conceptual framework.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement since this represents
    Smith''s foundational theoretical framework for the entire discipline of political
    economy. It establishes the overarching conceptual structure rather than addressing
    specific mechanisms.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: Political economy maps well to S5 (identity/policy) as it defines the
    fundamental purpose and identity of economic governance, and partially to S4 (intelligence)
    as it involves systematic study of commercial systems. It represents the meta-level
    framework that guides all other economic subsystems.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides significant explanatory value by establishing the
    foundational framework that underlies Smith's entire analysis in The Wealth of
    Nations. It illuminates the dual nature of economic governance and provides the
    conceptual foundation for understanding subsequent mechanisms and policies.
---

# Evaluation: Political Economy

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly identifies political economy's dual objectives (providing subsistence for people and revenue for the state) and distinguishes it as a science for statesmen/legislators. While comprehensive, it could be slightly more concise in distinguishing political economy from pure economics.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's explicit definition from the introduction to Book IV, where he specifically outlines these two objects of political economy. The definition closely follows Smith's own language and conceptual framework.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement since this represents Smith's foundational theoretical framework for the entire discipline of political economy. It establishes the overarching conceptual structure rather than addressing specific mechanisms.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

Political economy maps well to S5 (identity/policy) as it defines the fundamental purpose and identity of economic governance, and partially to S4 (intelligence) as it involves systematic study of commercial systems. It represents the meta-level framework that guides all other economic subsystems.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity provides significant explanatory value by establishing the foundational framework that underlies Smith's entire analysis in The Wealth of Nations. It illuminates the dual nature of economic governance and provides the conceptual foundation for understanding subsequent mechanisms and policies.
