Moravec's paradox

proper noun

The observation that, contrary to traditional assumptions, reasoning (which is high-level in humans) requires very little computation, but sensorimotor skills (comparatively low-level in humans) require enormous computational resources.

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Meanings

proper noun
  1. computingThe observation that, contrary to traditional assumptions, reasoning (which is high-level in humans) requires very little computation, but sensorimotor skills (comparatively low-level in humans) require enormous computational resources.

    Dr. Herculano-Houzel's research on the human brain reveals an unexpected insight that sheds light on Moravec's paradox: our ability to perceive and respond to our immediate environment actually demands a lot of brainpower.

    2016, Hod Lipson, Melba Kurman, Driverless: Intelligent Cars and the Road Ahead, MIT Press, →ISBN, page 73

Origin

Articulated in the 1980s by Hans Moravec, among others.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Moravec's paradox. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Moravec's%20paradox

MLA

“Moravec's paradox.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Moravec's%20paradox. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Moravec's paradox,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Moravec's%20paradox.

Source: Moravec's paradox on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.