---
entity_slug: economic_system_function
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:16:23.011806'
overall_score: 2.0
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition is overly broad and circular, essentially defining "economic
    system function" as "how economic systems function." It uses vague terms like
    "operational role" and "practical effects" without establishing clear boundaries
    that distinguish this concept from related ones like economic systems themselves
    or their outcomes.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: While Smith does discuss different economic systems in Book IV, the entity
    appears to be a modern analytical abstraction rather than a concept Smith explicitly
    develops. The reference to "Book IV, Chapter 0" is also problematic since Book
    IV doesn't have a Chapter 0, suggesting weak source grounding.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is appropriate given the broad, abstract nature of
    the concept, though the entity is so general it could arguably fit in multiple
    domains. The placement isn''t wrong but reflects the entity''s lack of specificity
    rather than clear conceptual boundaries.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 1.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity is too abstract and meta-level to map meaningfully to any
    specific VSM system. It describes the general notion of "how systems work" rather
    than identifying particular functional components that would correspond to S1-S5
    operations.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 2.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity provides minimal explanatory power because it merely labels
    the general idea that economic systems have functions without identifying specific
    mechanisms, causal relationships, or structural elements. It names a surface phenomenon
    rather than illuminating underlying processes that Smith actually analyzes.
---

# Evaluation: Economic System Function

## definition_precision — 2.0 / 5.0

The definition is overly broad and circular, essentially defining "economic system function" as "how economic systems function." It uses vague terms like "operational role" and "practical effects" without establishing clear boundaries that distinguish this concept from related ones like economic systems themselves or their outcomes.

## source_grounding — 2.0 / 5.0

While Smith does discuss different economic systems in Book IV, the entity appears to be a modern analytical abstraction rather than a concept Smith explicitly develops. The reference to "Book IV, Chapter 0" is also problematic since Book IV doesn't have a Chapter 0, suggesting weak source grounding.

## domain_placement — 3.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is appropriate given the broad, abstract nature of the concept, though the entity is so general it could arguably fit in multiple domains. The placement isn't wrong but reflects the entity's lack of specificity rather than clear conceptual boundaries.

## vsm_relevance — 1.0 / 5.0

This entity is too abstract and meta-level to map meaningfully to any specific VSM system. It describes the general notion of "how systems work" rather than identifying particular functional components that would correspond to S1-S5 operations.

## explanatory_value — 2.0 / 5.0

The entity provides minimal explanatory power because it merely labels the general idea that economic systems have functions without identifying specific mechanisms, causal relationships, or structural elements. It names a surface phenomenon rather than illuminating underlying processes that Smith actually analyzes.
