---
entity_slug: economic_system_resistance_factors
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T05:20:35.997128'
overall_score: 4.0
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition captures a coherent concept about barriers to economic
    reform, but "various obstacles" is somewhat vague and the examples given (entrenched
    interests, ideological commitments, institutional inertia) are quite broad categories
    rather than precise mechanisms. The definition could be more specific about how
    these factors actually operate to prevent reform.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This concept appears well-grounded in Smith's actual analysis in Book
    IV, Chapter 6, where he does examine why superior economic arrangements face resistance
    despite their efficiency. Smith's discussion of mercantile interests and policy
    persistence supports this characterization of systemic resistance factors.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement since this entity
    addresses broad theoretical principles about how economic systems resist change
    rather than specific policy mechanisms or market operations. This is a meta-level
    concept about economic system dynamics.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity maps well to VSM System 4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation)
    as it describes factors that prevent organizations/systems from adapting to new
    environmental information about more efficient arrangements. It could also relate
    to System 5 (identity/policy) regarding resistance to identity-threatening changes.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides genuine explanatory power by identifying why economically
    superior arrangements may not be adopted, moving beyond simple efficiency analysis
    to examine structural and political barriers. It illuminates an important mechanism
    in economic system evolution and reform processes.
---

# Evaluation: Economic System Resistance Factors

## definition_precision — 3.0 / 5.0

The definition captures a coherent concept about barriers to economic reform, but "various obstacles" is somewhat vague and the examples given (entrenched interests, ideological commitments, institutional inertia) are quite broad categories rather than precise mechanisms. The definition could be more specific about how these factors actually operate to prevent reform.

## source_grounding — 4.0 / 5.0

This concept appears well-grounded in Smith's actual analysis in Book IV, Chapter 6, where he does examine why superior economic arrangements face resistance despite their efficiency. Smith's discussion of mercantile interests and policy persistence supports this characterization of systemic resistance factors.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement since this entity addresses broad theoretical principles about how economic systems resist change rather than specific policy mechanisms or market operations. This is a meta-level concept about economic system dynamics.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity maps well to VSM System 4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as it describes factors that prevent organizations/systems from adapting to new environmental information about more efficient arrangements. It could also relate to System 5 (identity/policy) regarding resistance to identity-threatening changes.

## explanatory_value — 4.0 / 5.0

This entity provides genuine explanatory power by identifying why economically superior arrangements may not be adopted, moving beyond simple efficiency analysis to examine structural and political barriers. It illuminates an important mechanism in economic system evolution and reform processes.
