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The Ādam Paradox Hypothesis 36
Strand Three: Why Structure ≠ Symbolism
Brains Without Symbols
Tattersall put it sharply:
“Large brains were around long before being put to symbolic use. Clearly, something
additional was required after anatomy to trigger cognition.
” (Tattersall, 2012, p. 193)
Large brains alone cannot explain symbolism. Neanderthals had even larger
average brains — yet left a more limited symbolic record.
The Continuity Problem Explained by Software
The sporadic sparks of symbolism before 70 ka — ochre at Pinnacle Point,
ornaments at Qafzeh, engravings at Blombos — show capacity but not
continuity. That discontinuity makes sense if the regulatory software was not
yet globally activated. The circuits existed but were not stabilized.
Analogy: The Silent Orchestra
Hardware = instruments: violins, trumpets, drums.
Software = score + conductor: sheet music, direction.
Ignition = performance: the music filling the hall.
By 300 ka, the instruments were present. But without the conductor and score
— without software — there was no symphony.
Figure 5.1 — Hardware vs. Software Analogy
