---
entity_slug: penelope_s_web_metaphor
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:05:00.349295'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly explains the specific metaphor comparing mint
    operations to Penelope's weaving, where productive work is constantly undone.
    It captures a distinct illustrative concept rather than being vague or circular.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This appears to be directly grounded in Smith's actual text from Book
    IV, Chapter 6, where he uses this classical metaphor to illustrate monetary policy
    problems. The reference to Penelope's web is a specific literary allusion Smith
    would likely employ.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The placement in "Regulation" domain is appropriate since this metaphor
    specifically addresses monetary policy and the regulatory challenges of maintaining
    currency stability. It directly relates to governmental oversight of coinage operations.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This maps primarily to S2 (coordination/anti-oscillation) as it describes
    a problematic oscillatory pattern in the monetary system, though it also touches
    on S3 (internal regulation) regarding mint operations. The VSM connection is present
    but not the entity's primary value.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The metaphor provides genuine explanatory power by vividly illustrating
    the structural problem of futile monetary operations and the need for policy reform.
    It illuminates the mechanism behind currency degradation cycles rather than just
    naming a surface phenomenon.
---

# Evaluation: Penelope S Web Metaphor

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly explains the specific metaphor comparing mint operations to Penelope's weaving, where productive work is constantly undone. It captures a distinct illustrative concept rather than being vague or circular.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This appears to be directly grounded in Smith's actual text from Book IV, Chapter 6, where he uses this classical metaphor to illustrate monetary policy problems. The reference to Penelope's web is a specific literary allusion Smith would likely employ.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The placement in "Regulation" domain is appropriate since this metaphor specifically addresses monetary policy and the regulatory challenges of maintaining currency stability. It directly relates to governmental oversight of coinage operations.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This maps primarily to S2 (coordination/anti-oscillation) as it describes a problematic oscillatory pattern in the monetary system, though it also touches on S3 (internal regulation) regarding mint operations. The VSM connection is present but not the entity's primary value.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The metaphor provides genuine explanatory power by vividly illustrating the structural problem of futile monetary operations and the need for policy reform. It illuminates the mechanism behind currency degradation cycles rather than just naming a surface phenomenon.
