---
entity_slug: university_of_trades
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T06:35:33.643110'
overall_score: 4.2
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition is precise and captures a distinct historical concept
    - the medieval incorporation system that applied to both trades and academic institutions.
    The parallel between seven-year apprenticeships and academic terms provides clear
    specificity.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book I, Chapter
    10, where he explicitly discusses the etymological connection between trade incorporations
    and universities. The historical terminology and Smith's argument about apprenticeship
    duration are clearly sourced.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The "Regulation" domain is perfectly appropriate, as this entity concerns
    the institutional and legal framework governing trade practices through incorporation.
    It directly relates to Smith's analysis of regulatory structures affecting labor
    markets.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S3 (internal
    regulation) as it describes historical regulatory frameworks for trades. However,
    it's somewhat abstract as a historical concept rather than an active economic
    mechanism.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides significant explanatory value by illuminating the
    historical origins of trade regulation and supporting Smith's argument that apprenticeship
    requirements lack rational economic justification. It reveals the structural parallel
    between different types of medieval incorporations.
---

# Evaluation: University Of Trades

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition is precise and captures a distinct historical concept - the medieval incorporation system that applied to both trades and academic institutions. The parallel between seven-year apprenticeships and academic terms provides clear specificity.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity is directly grounded in Smith's text from Book I, Chapter 10, where he explicitly discusses the etymological connection between trade incorporations and universities. The historical terminology and Smith's argument about apprenticeship duration are clearly sourced.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

The "Regulation" domain is perfectly appropriate, as this entity concerns the institutional and legal framework governing trade practices through incorporation. It directly relates to Smith's analysis of regulatory structures affecting labor markets.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity has moderate VSM relevance, primarily mapping to S3 (internal regulation) as it describes historical regulatory frameworks for trades. However, it's somewhat abstract as a historical concept rather than an active economic mechanism.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

The entity provides significant explanatory value by illuminating the historical origins of trade regulation and supporting Smith's argument that apprenticeship requirements lack rational economic justification. It reveals the structural parallel between different types of medieval incorporations.
