yes, you are right there is no contrast, because both ai(vector nn) and traditional symbolic programs are not aware of inputs/understanding deeper/"excel in domain" outside our interpretation of it.
In the way digital is the symbolic representation of physical, ai programs may have internal symbolic representation. This paper shows that nn vectors can be closely approx with symbolic structures.
In the way digital is the symbolic representation of physical, ai programs may have internal symbolic representation. This paper shows that nn vectors can be closely approx with symbolic structures.