What does Equifinality mean?

Definitions for Equifinality
equi·fi·nal·i·ty

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word Equifinality.

Wikipedia

  1. Equifinality

    Equifinality is the principle that in open systems a given end state can be reached by many potential means. The term and concept is due to Hans Driesch, the developmental biologist, later applied by Ludwig von Bertalanffy, the founder of general systems theory, and by William T. Powers, the founder of perceptual control theory. Driesch and von Bertalanffy prefer this term, in contrast to "goal", in describing complex systems' similar or convergent behavior. Powers simply emphasised the flexibility of response, since it emphasizes that the same end state may be achieved via many different paths or trajectories. In closed systems, a direct cause-and-effect relationship exists between the initial condition and the final state of the system: When a computer's 'on' switch is pushed, the system powers up. Open systems (such as biological and social systems), however, operate quite differently. The idea of equifinality suggests that similar results may be achieved with different initial conditions and in many different ways. This phenomenon has also been referred to as isotelesis (from Greek ἴσος isos "equal" and τέλεσις telesis: "the intelligent direction of effort toward the achievement of an end") when in games involving superrationality.

ChatGPT

  1. equifinality

    Equifinality refers to the principle or concept that multiple pathways or processes can lead to the same or similar outcome or end result. It challenges the idea that there is only one single way or cause for a specific outcome, understanding that different starting points or methods can ultimately lead to the same destination or outcome. In essence, equifinality highlights the idea that there are multiple ways to achieve a desired outcome.

Wikidata

  1. Equifinality

    Equifinality is the principle that in open systems a given end state can be reached by many potential means. The term and concept is due to Hans Driesch, the developmental biologist, later applied by Ludwig von Bertalanffy, the founder of General Systems Theory. They prefer this term, in contrast to "goal", in describing complex systems' similar or convergent behavior. It emphasizes that the same end state may be achieved via many different paths or trajectories. In closed systems, a direct cause-and-effect relationship exists between the initial condition and the final state of the system: When a computer's 'on' switch is pushed, the system powers up. Open systems, however, operate quite differently. The idea of equifinality suggests that similar results may be achieved with different initial conditions and in many different ways. This phenomenon has also been referred to as isotelesis when in games involving superrationality. In business, equifinality implies that firms may establish similar competitive advantages based on substantially different competencies.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of Equifinality in Chaldean Numerology is: 1

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of Equifinality in Pythagorean Numerology is: 4


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"Equifinality." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Mar. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/Equifinality>.

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