---
entity_slug: economic_system_adaptability
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:12:23.553622'
overall_score: 3.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition captures a coherent concept about systems adjusting to
    change, but uses somewhat vague terms like "changing circumstances" and "remain
    effective." It's reasonably precise but could be more specific about what constitutes
    adaptability versus mere change.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: While Smith does discuss how different systems suit different nations
    and ages, the specific concept of "adaptability" as a systematic capacity is more
    of an interpretive extrapolation than something Smith explicitly theorizes. The
    source grounding is weak and relies heavily on inference.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is appropriate since this concept would apply across
    Smith''s various economic discussions rather than being specific to trade, production,
    or other particular domains. The placement correctly recognizes its broad theoretical
    nature.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps very naturally to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation)
    in the VSM, which is precisely concerned with how systems adapt to environmental
    changes and maintain viability over time. It's a clear VSM fit rather than being
    too abstract.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: While adaptability is important, this entity primarily names a desirable
    property rather than explaining the mechanisms by which economic systems actually
    adapt. It lacks specificity about the structural relations or processes that enable
    adaptation.
---

# Evaluation: Economic System Adaptability

## definition_precision — 3.0 / 5.0

The definition captures a coherent concept about systems adjusting to change, but uses somewhat vague terms like "changing circumstances" and "remain effective." It's reasonably precise but could be more specific about what constitutes adaptability versus mere change.

## source_grounding — 2.0 / 5.0

While Smith does discuss how different systems suit different nations and ages, the specific concept of "adaptability" as a systematic capacity is more of an interpretive extrapolation than something Smith explicitly theorizes. The source grounding is weak and relies heavily on inference.

## domain_placement — 4.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is appropriate since this concept would apply across Smith's various economic discussions rather than being specific to trade, production, or other particular domains. The placement correctly recognizes its broad theoretical nature.

## vsm_relevance — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity maps very naturally to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) in the VSM, which is precisely concerned with how systems adapt to environmental changes and maintain viability over time. It's a clear VSM fit rather than being too abstract.

## explanatory_value — 2.0 / 5.0

While adaptability is important, this entity primarily names a desirable property rather than explaining the mechanisms by which economic systems actually adapt. It lacks specificity about the structural relations or processes that enable adaptation.
