How Can I Support Development of the Argument Ninja Academy?

My name is Kevin deLaplante. I used to be an academic philosopher, but now I produce the Argument Ninja podcast, which is hosted on this site, and I’m the creator of the Critical Thinker Academy, which is a video tutorial site that contains hundreds of videos on a wide range of topics related to critical thinking.

As listeners to the podcast will know, my next big project is an online training site, tentatively called the Argument Ninja Academy, that will teach the art, science and ethics of “rational persuasion”, an innovative approach to critical thinking. The organization of this program draws its inspiration from martial arts studios and the way that martial arts is traditionally taught.

Critical Thinking Resources Are a Public Good

Everyone benefits from a society where more people are exposed to critical thinking concepts and have the opportunity to develop their critical thinking skills.

I view the critical thinking resources that I produce as a public good that should be accessible to as wide an audience as possible.

My Business Model is a Patronage Model

Like other public services, such as public radio and television, the financial model that supports these services is a patronage model. People who value these services can choose to pledge a certain amount of money each month to help maintain these services and support the creation of new content.

This is what I am asking from my supporters, and this is how I would like my supporters to think about their pledge.

I do this work full-time, and this is my sole source of stable, recurring revenue. I am able to continue this work only because of people like you who care enough about critical thinking to offer not only your moral support, but your financial support as well.

If you look at the sidebar on the right (or below, if viewing on a mobile phone) you can see a running list of monthly supporters.

I’m still not at the point where my recurring income makes this a sustainable venture for me, but support is growing! Here’s a link that shows how far we still need to go. Your contribution is very much appreciated!

What You Get When You Become a Patron

I offer a range of monthly pledge support levels, starting at $3 per month, and scaling up to $100 per month.

1. Any Pledge Level Unlocks Every Course at the Critical Thinker Academy

For any of these support levels, as long as you maintain your subscription, you get access to ALL of the video content and other resources at the Critical Thinker Academy, including any new resources that I may add over time.

Most of my entrepreneur friends find it offensive that I offer full access to the Critical Thinker Academy for as low as $3/month. They think I should raise the floor to at least $10/month.

But they don’t see the emails I get from people around the world who live in countries where $3/month in US dollars is equal to a full day’s pay, and who express their deep gratitude for making it possible for them to access this content.

2. Any Pledge Level Reserves a Seat For You in the Argument Ninja Academy

On the Argument Ninja podcast, and in the articles on this site, I’ve been making a case for a bold new approach to critical thinking education.

What is the Argument Ninja Academy?

Imagine a martial arts academy, but one that teaches students how to think critically and argue persuasively — martial arts for the mind!
And what if the teaching and learning experience was inspired by martial arts training principles? A belt level system! Drills, forms, and sparring! A focus on skill development and real-world application, rather than rote learning!
And what if this training program was implemented in an online environment that made use of state-of-the-art learning interactions and gamification features?

The goal of the Argument Ninja Academy project is to design and build such an online learning environment.

To actually implement this program will require a new learning management system, new content development, new administrative support … it’s no longer a one-man job. That’s why I’m assembling a team of specialists who can take my work to the next level.

Your support will help to make this program a reality. In return I will honor your support by ensuring that you will have access to the content in this program, when it becomes available.

This is Why I Have the Higher Pledge Levels

I have the lower pledge levels to allow people with limited financial means to still access valuable critical thinking resources.

The higher pledge levels are intended for patrons of greater financial means who want to see my work continue and the Argument Ninja Academy program fully developed.

Frankly, without more patrons who are willing to pledge at these higher levels, it won’t be possible to develop the Argument Ninja Academy.

So, if you are a person of financial means who cares about the issues I talk about on the Argument Ninja podcast and wants to see this vision become a reality, please consider one of the higher pledge tiers.

Okay, How Do I Sign Up?

Right now I’m using Patreon to manage recurring support for my work. The button below will take you to our Patreon page.

You’ll receive a message when you complete the transaction that will let you register with the Critical Thinker Academy for free.

Testimonials

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Thank You!

I am very lucky to be doing what I’m doing, and none of it would be possible without the support of listeners, students and fans like you.

Thank you all, I deeply appreciate it!

Kevin