Final answer:
The question touches on the concept of dualism, which posits that humans are composed of both a physical body and a non-physical soul or spirit. The debate extends into theological and philosophical discussions, influenced by figures like Descartes and encompassing varying beliefs across different cultures and religions.
Step-by-step explanation:
There is a significant theological debate about whether the soul and spirit of humankind are separate entities. If they are indeed separate, this perspective aligns with the philosophical concept of dualism. Dualism is the belief that humans are made up of both matter (body) and spirit (soul), which are inherently different substances; one is physical and the other is not. This view was famously proposed by René Descartes, who argued that because he could think and exist ('I think therefore I am'), the soul must be apart from the body. However, the matter of the soul's existence separate from the body has been criticized heavily, especially in light of modern scientific evidence that associates thinking and consciousness with the physical brain.
Dualism faces the challenge of explaining how two such distinct substances as the material body and the non-material soul interact and relate to one another. These inquiries delve into the philosophical and sometimes theological domain, where materialism presents an opposing view by denying the existence of any non-physical substances. An interesting point in the context of various religions and philosophical traditions is that many often have unique interpretations of the soul and its relationship to the body and the universe, like the Tausug's belief in multiple aspects of the soul, the Cartesian soul existing prior to the body, or Aristotle's functional conception of the soul.