Class information
PHL207 Ethics and Aging
- CRN: 10312
- Credits: 4
- Locations, days, times, and instructors:
- Online (no scheduled meetings), Available 24/7
From January 5 through March 21, 2026, John A Holmes
- Online (no scheduled meetings), Available 24/7
Details about this class
This is a newly redesigned version of the course, which utilizes the affordable Cambridge Handbook of the Ethics of Ageing, published in 2022. The course is structured around textbook readings and recorded video lectures. Students will be responsible for completing discussion posts, quizzes, and a signature assignment at the end of the term. The course is offered asynchronously, so there are no required class meetings.
Some of the central questions to be explored include: What does it mean to age well? What goods or virtues are involved in aging? What is bad about ageing? How does one's cultural perspective affect one's view of ageing? Does Death with Dignity (dis)respect ageing? How does age discrimination arise in contemporary societies, and what can be done about it? Should we focus research efforts on extending life or mitigating the effects of aging? Should aged individuals count less than younger individuals when it comes to allocating scarce medical resources?
Technology
Students should have an updated computer with the latest version of Google Chrome installed, as well as secure broadband internet access.
No show policy
Your instructor can mark you as a "no show" if you do not participate in your class during the first week. This will remove you from the class. It is important to log in as soon as the class starts to see what the participation requirements are.
Online technical requirements
Please be sure to read the quick guide to Online Learning technical requirements.
Students with disabilities
Students with disabilities should notify their instructor if accommodations are needed to take this class. For information about technologies that help people with disabilities taking Online based classes please visit the Disability Services website.
Prerequisite for online classes
Before you take your first online class at PCC, you must complete the start guide. The start guide will help you decide if these classes are right for you. Once you complete the start guide, you will be able to register for these classes.