Structure Before Theory: A Structural Account of Spontaneous AI Architecture Visualization

Authors

Griselda Poe, CUNY Lehman CollegeFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 3-15-2026

Abstract

This paper presents an n=1 phenomenological record of spontaneous structural visualization that occurred during early interaction with large language models. The experience consisted of (A) immediate perception of mode or layer shifts in model output and (B) visualization of a stratified architecture composed of a stable core and cloud-like upper layers. At the time of occurrence, the author had no theoretical interest in AI architecture and no intention of developing a cognitive model. The paper does not argue for theoretical priority or novelty. Instead, it examines whether the recorded phenomena can be interpreted under two alternative cognitive assumptions: a single-layer predictive model of cognition and a dual-layer Core/Modulation model. The title 'Structure Before Theory' refers to the temporal priority of the visualization: structural perception preceded theoretical articulation. The aim is descriptive clarification rather than theoretical competition.

Comments

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19140767

The Core-Modulation Architecture (CMA): A Structural Overview of a 14-Paper Research Program

https://academicworks.cuny.edu/le_pubs/477/