---
entity_slug: commercial_society_formation
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T04:59:41.842503'
overall_score: 4.4
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly distinguishes commercial society from earlier
    economic forms through specific characteristics (specialized labor, market exchange,
    commercial relationships) and identifies what it replaces (self-sufficiency, feudal
    obligations, barter). The definition is precise and non-circular, though it could
    be slightly more specific about the mechanisms of transition.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This concept is deeply grounded in Smith's actual analysis throughout
    The Wealth of Nations, particularly his discussion of the division of labor, market
    development, and the transition from feudal to commercial systems. Book IV, Chapter
    3 specifically addresses how commercial society creates new forms of economic
    interdependence and governance challenges.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: '"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this concept
    represents a fundamental structural transformation that underlies Smith''s entire
    analytical framework. It''s not a specific policy or mechanism but rather a foundational
    theoretical concept about societal organization.'
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 3.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity has some VSM relevance as it relates to how societies organize
    their primary operations (S1) and develop coordination mechanisms (S2), but it's
    primarily a macro-historical concept about societal transformation rather than
    a specific organizational system. It's somewhat abstract for direct VSM mapping
    but not entirely VSM-neutral.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: This entity provides substantial explanatory power by identifying the
    fundamental structural shift that enables Smith's analysis of markets, division
    of labor, and economic growth. It illuminates the underlying social transformation
    that makes modern economic mechanisms possible rather than merely naming a surface
    phenomenon.
---

# Evaluation: Commercial Society Formation

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly distinguishes commercial society from earlier economic forms through specific characteristics (specialized labor, market exchange, commercial relationships) and identifies what it replaces (self-sufficiency, feudal obligations, barter). The definition is precise and non-circular, though it could be slightly more specific about the mechanisms of transition.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

This concept is deeply grounded in Smith's actual analysis throughout The Wealth of Nations, particularly his discussion of the division of labor, market development, and the transition from feudal to commercial systems. Book IV, Chapter 3 specifically addresses how commercial society creates new forms of economic interdependence and governance challenges.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

"General Theory" is the appropriate domain placement as this concept represents a fundamental structural transformation that underlies Smith's entire analytical framework. It's not a specific policy or mechanism but rather a foundational theoretical concept about societal organization.

## vsm_relevance — 3.0 / 5.0

This entity has some VSM relevance as it relates to how societies organize their primary operations (S1) and develop coordination mechanisms (S2), but it's primarily a macro-historical concept about societal transformation rather than a specific organizational system. It's somewhat abstract for direct VSM mapping but not entirely VSM-neutral.

## explanatory_value — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity provides substantial explanatory power by identifying the fundamental structural shift that enables Smith's analysis of markets, division of labor, and economic growth. It illuminates the underlying social transformation that makes modern economic mechanisms possible rather than merely naming a surface phenomenon.
