"The classical principle of causality held that similar conditions produce similar effects, and consequently dissimilar results are due to dissimilar conditions. Bertalanffy, in analyzing the self-regulating, or morphostatic, features of open biological systems, loosened this classical conception by introducing the concept of 'equifinality'. This holds that, in ontogenesis for example, a final normal adult state may be reached by any number of devious developmental routes. Morphogenetic processes, however, go even further and suggest an opposite principle that might be called 'multifinality': similar initial conditions may lead to dissimilar end-states. Thus, two cultures developing in very similar ecological environments may end up with very different sociocultural systems." (Walter F Buckley, "Sociology and Modern Systems Theory", 1967)
"The classical Aristotelian approach was to isolate and analyse, to reduce to simple, lineal, unidirectional cause-effect chains on a time sequence of prior cause and present effect - the 'why' of single causation. Sociological structures have replaced this by complex reticulate circuits, by networks of field and system and process, appealing to timeless, simultaneous states of related variables of 'equifinality', of 'multifinality', that is of devious developmental routes leading to similar final results or of similar conditions leading to dissimilar endstates, ranging from past and present to future and marking a revolutionary conceptual shift of attention from energy to information flow." (Patrick de Maré, "Perspectives in Group Psychotherapy", 1972)
"Positive, or deviation-amplifying feedback is seen in biological evolution and societal development, which exhibit processes of morphogenesis or, the elaboration of the system's form, organization or state discussed earlier. The implications of this distinction for the classic principle of causality has led to the further concept of equifinality in morphostatic system processes, which holds that an ultimate state may be reached by various developmental routes, and to the opposite principle of multifinality in morphogenetic situations where by similar initial conditions may lead to dissimilar end states." (Paul H Haynes, "Toward a Concept of Monitoring", The Town Planning review Vol. 45 (1), 1974)
"From these four propositions we can derive two basic principles of development, morphostasis and morphogenesis. Morphostasis refers to those processes in complex systemenvironment exchanges which tend to maintain a systems given form or organization. Morphostasis may represent developmental processes that lend themselves to observation of continuity. Morphogenic processes may by their nature be harder to observe and predict since they involve changes in a systems structure, state or functioning. Morphogenic processes may involve discontinuities in development. At the extreme morphogenesis can be related to catastrophes and radical changes (e.g. in terms of continuing levels of Y at some point leading to a steep change in X). Morphogenesis involves at least two kinds of developmental paths: 1) equifinality and 2) multifinality. Equifinality holds that a given outcome can be reached from any number of different developmental paths. In this case, similar outcomes may not be the result of similar initial conditions or mediating processes.[…] Multifinality is the opposite developmental principle to equifinality, Where by similar initial conditions may lead to dissimilar outcomes." (Candice Feiring & Michael Lewis, "Equifinality and Multifinality: Diversity in Development from Infancy into Childhood. Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development", 1987)
"In open systems, for example, biological and social systems, final states or objectives may be reached in different ways and from disparate starting points. This property of finding equally valid ways is called equifinality. The reverse condition, achievement of different ends through use of the same means, is called multifinality." (Lars Skyttner, "General System Theory: Problems, Perspectives & Practice" 2nd. Ed., 2005)
"Multifinality is the opposite developmental principle to equifinality, whereby similar initial conditions lead to dissimilar outcomes. This indicates that for the investigator either the mechanisms are not understood or the relevant aspects have been left out." (Rob Dekkers, "Applied Systems Theory", 2014,
"The principles of equifinality, multifinality, homeostasis and heterostasis have farstretching implications for the application of deductive reasoning The paradox of equifinality and multifinality means that when observing the behaviour of a system, it might be moving towards a final state irrespective of the initial state or moving away from an initial state without being able to predict the final outcome." (Rob Dekkers, "Applied Systems Theory", 2014)
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