Is there a thinker beyond the symbol? This question is answered quite quickly but not without leaving doubt. First, to symbols in general, as of this writing and otherwise. A more universal applied term might be ‘object’, as a muscleman defining the body with weight mass. In that case thought may be defined by relative refinement levels; irrespective of the substance, origin or intended purposes brought to bear. There’s the trite phrase ‘a thought without words’ striking at different ‘sets’ of symbols in use; maybe more ephemeral but nonetheless real. 

Logic closes this issue/question when one observes the product produced from the ‘thinker’ once he/she dies. Common envisioning places the symbols as tools used in the process of one’s craft inching an idea which in turn shapes the craft. This abstract question is now somewhat answerable. A thinker is a symbol in motion, and in addition a thinker is a hand at work. Though I’m not the thought thinking, I loosely identify myself thinking of a thought out of convenience.  

There are other views which poeticize the nature of a man and his work being inseparable, which can only be referring to the dedication one might foster in completing a task.