Is there a name for the expression "the end justifies the means?"

[Revised question]

Is there a name for expressions or sayings such as "the end justifies the means?"

After searching online I found that this expression is defined as consequentialism. But what I'm asking is whether there is a name for this types of phrase. At first, I thought it was an idiom, but by definition it is not an idiom because one can deduce the meaning from the words of the expression.

Also, after reading the many excellent comments and answers, I looked at the term proverb and maxim, but these don't seem to quite fit either because "the end justifies the means" doesn't seem to be a "general truth" in fact it is more of a moral rationalization that many people do not believe to be true.

Just to clarify, I'm not asking for definitions of "the end justifies the means" or "consequentialism"; I'm asking what are phrases such as this called, where their meaning, unlike an idiom, can be deduced from the words in the expression or saying, and where it is not a general truth (i.e. adage, maxim, proverb, etc).

Another option is aphorism:

a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” (Lord Acton).

- dictionary.com

1. a concise statement of a principle
2. a terse formulation of a truth or sentiment : adage the high-minded aphorism, "Let us value the quality of life, not the quantity"
3. an ingeniously terse style of expression : aphoristic language
   • These are dazzling chapters, packed with perfectly chosen anecdotes and pithy with aphorism. —John Keegan

- Merriam Webster

(in British)

a short pithy saying expressing a general truth; maxim

(in American)

1. a short, concise statement of a principle
2. a short, pointed sentence expressing a wise or clever observation or a general truth; maxim; adage

- Collins

I think the word you're looking for is maxim.

1 : a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct. Mother's favorite maxim was "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."
2 : a proverbial saying. "marry in haste, repent at leisure"

Merriam-Webster

It's not just the name of a magazine.

proverb; a short, well-known pithy saying, stating a general truth or piece of advice.

aphorism; a pithy observation which contains a general truth.

saw; a proverb or maxim.

All definitions from Google.

If the sayings are well-used (or better yet, over-used), you might refer to them as clichés:

1 : a trite phrase or expression; also : the idea expressed by it
2 : a hackneyed theme, characterization, or situation
3 : something (such as a menu item) that has become overly familiar or commonplace
_{definition from m-w.com}