---
entity_slug: prudent_family_maxim
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:11:56.952197'
overall_score: 4.4
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition is clear and specific, capturing the principle of not
    producing what costs more to make than to buy. It avoids circularity and identifies
    a distinct economic concept about efficient resource allocation.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book IV, Chapter 2, where
    he explicitly uses the tailor/shoemaker example and states this household maxim
    should guide national policy. The entity accurately reflects Smith's actual argument.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"Exchange" is the correct domain placement since this maxim fundamentally
    concerns the decision between making versus buying, which is at the heart of trade
    and exchange relationships. It directly relates to comparative advantage and specialization.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This maps well to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as it represents
    a decision-making principle for adapting to external market conditions, and to
    S5 (policy) as it guides strategic choices about what activities to pursue internally
    versus externally.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity illuminates a key mechanism underlying Smith's argument for
    free trade and specialization, showing how individual rational behavior scales
    to national economic policy. It explains the structural logic connecting household
    and national economic decisions.
---

# Evaluation: Prudent Family Maxim

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition is clear and specific, capturing the principle of not producing what costs more to make than to buy. It avoids circularity and identifies a distinct economic concept about efficient resource allocation.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book IV, Chapter 2, where he explicitly uses the tailor/shoemaker example and states this household maxim should guide national policy. The entity accurately reflects Smith's actual argument.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"Exchange" is the correct domain placement since this maxim fundamentally concerns the decision between making versus buying, which is at the heart of trade and exchange relationships. It directly relates to comparative advantage and specialization.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

This maps well to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as it represents a decision-making principle for adapting to external market conditions, and to S5 (policy) as it guides strategic choices about what activities to pursue internally versus externally.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity illuminates a key mechanism underlying Smith's argument for free trade and specialization, showing how individual rational behavior scales to national economic policy. It explains the structural logic connecting household and national economic decisions.
