CL: in a primitive way this can be done with generic functions. Use a generic function object. Redefined methods will be picked up without needing a new function object.
When using symbols, often it is not needed to look up symbol functions. Symbols can be called as functions. In code Lisp often assumes that functions are late bound (unless inlined), so a function call to a global function looks up the function from the symbol at runtime.
When using symbols, often it is not needed to look up symbol functions. Symbols can be called as functions. In code Lisp often assumes that functions are late bound (unless inlined), so a function call to a global function looks up the function from the symbol at runtime.