---
entity_slug: economic_stagnation_symptoms
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:12:04.873141'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly identifies specific observable indicators (scanty
    maintenance and starving condition of laborers) as symptoms of economic stagnation.
    While it could be more comprehensive in listing symptoms, it avoids circularity
    and captures a distinct diagnostic concept.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is well-grounded in Smith's actual text from Book I, Chapter
    8, where he explicitly discusses the "starving condition" and "scanty maintenance
    of the labouring poor" as natural symptoms of economic decline. The language closely
    follows Smith's own terminology.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this represents
    Smith''s theoretical framework for diagnosing economic conditions. These symptoms
    are part of his broader analytical apparatus for understanding economic states.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity functions primarily as diagnostic indicators that could inform
    S4 (intelligence/environmental monitoring) by providing feedback about economic
    health. However, the symptoms themselves are more observational data than active
    system components, making VSM placement somewhat indirect.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides genuine explanatory value by establishing clear diagnostic
    criteria for identifying economic decline, which is essential for Smith's analytical
    framework. It moves beyond mere description to offer a systematic way of recognizing
    economic deterioration through observable social conditions.
---

# Evaluation: Economic Stagnation Symptoms

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly identifies specific observable indicators (scanty maintenance and starving condition of laborers) as symptoms of economic stagnation. While it could be more comprehensive in listing symptoms, it avoids circularity and captures a distinct diagnostic concept.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is well-grounded in Smith's actual text from Book I, Chapter 8, where he explicitly discusses the "starving condition" and "scanty maintenance of the labouring poor" as natural symptoms of economic decline. The language closely follows Smith's own terminology.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this represents Smith's theoretical framework for diagnosing economic conditions. These symptoms are part of his broader analytical apparatus for understanding economic states.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity functions primarily as diagnostic indicators that could inform S4 (intelligence/environmental monitoring) by providing feedback about economic health. However, the symptoms themselves are more observational data than active system components, making VSM placement somewhat indirect.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides genuine explanatory value by establishing clear diagnostic criteria for identifying economic decline, which is essential for Smith's analytical framework. It moves beyond mere description to offer a systematic way of recognizing economic deterioration through observable social conditions.
