---
entity_slug: expense_of_public_works_and_public_institutions
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:25:38.150070'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition is quite precise, clearly distinguishing public works
    from private ventures based on the criterion of insufficient private return despite
    high societal benefit. It avoids circularity and captures a distinct economic
    concept about market failures in public goods provision.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text, representing the third
    duty of the sovereign as explicitly outlined in Book V, Chapter 1. Smith extensively
    discusses public works like roads, bridges, canals, and educational institutions
    that cannot be profitably maintained by private parties.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Regulation" domain assignment is correct, as this represents government
    intervention to address market failures where private provision is inadequate.
    This fits squarely within Smith's framework of legitimate sovereign duties and
    regulatory functions.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S1 (operational
    infrastructure) and S4 (intelligence/adaptation through education). However, it's
    somewhat diffuse across systems rather than having a clear primary VSM home, as
    it encompasses both physical infrastructure and institutional development.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: "The entity provides strong explanatory value by illuminating the economic\
    \ mechanism behind public goods provision\u2014the gap between social benefit\
    \ and private profitability. It explains a fundamental structural relationship\
    \ in political economy rather than merely naming a surface phenomenon."
---

# Evaluation: Expense Of Public Works And Public Institutions

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition is quite precise, clearly distinguishing public works from private ventures based on the criterion of insufficient private return despite high societal benefit. It avoids circularity and captures a distinct economic concept about market failures in public goods provision.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text, representing the third duty of the sovereign as explicitly outlined in Book V, Chapter 1. Smith extensively discusses public works like roads, bridges, canals, and educational institutions that cannot be profitably maintained by private parties.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain assignment is correct, as this represents government intervention to address market failures where private provision is inadequate. This fits squarely within Smith's framework of legitimate sovereign duties and regulatory functions.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S1 (operational infrastructure) and S4 (intelligence/adaptation through education). However, it's somewhat diffuse across systems rather than having a clear primary VSM home, as it encompasses both physical infrastructure and institutional development.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides strong explanatory value by illuminating the economic mechanism behind public goods provision—the gap between social benefit and private profitability. It explains a fundamental structural relationship in political economy rather than merely naming a surface phenomenon.
