Abstract
The reduplication argument advanced by Bernard Williams in 1956 has
greatly stimulated the contemporary debate on personal identity. The argument
relies on a famous thought experiment that, although not new in the history of
philosophy, has engaged some of the most influential contemporary philosophers
on the topic. I propose here an interpretation of the argument and a reconstruction
of the early reception that Williams’ paper had in the 6 years immediately
after its publication. The works discussed include papers by C. B. Martin,
G. C. Nerlich, R. Coburn, and J. M. Shorter.