In the novel (I think, could be another in the trilogy) "Beetle in the Anthill" one of the protagonists states that it is wrong to do acts that are irreversible, in the context of a grand decision possibly affecting the fate of humankind.
Thermodynamics and common sense tell us that this is strictly speaking impossible. But there are acts where this seems prudent - causing the extinction of species comes to mind.
Was this argument thought up by the Strugatskys for their novel, or is this grounded in some philosophy?
If yes, how are (moral) questions where this maxime is applicable identified?