Final answer:
Dualism is a philosophical concept asserting that humans are made up of two fundamental substances: physical and spiritual. It faces challenges in explaining the interaction between the mind and body, and must address objections and provide evidence to defend its position.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dualism and Its Challenges
The philosophical concept of dualism posits that humans consist of two fundamental substances: the physical (the body) and the spiritual (the soul). This concept has been widely endorsed within Western thought, particularly within the Judaeo-Christian-Islam traditions. However, dualism faces significant philosophical challenges, primarily concerning the interaction between the physical and non-physical realms. How can a non-physical mind cause physical actions? Furthermore, objections from materialists and idealists present alternative viewpoints, with materialists arguing that we are only physical bodies, inclusive of the brain which is responsible for mental processes, and idealists who deny the existence of physical bodies altogether.
Throughout history, many have questioned the validity of dualism due to its inability to satisfactorily explain the interaction between mind and body. René Descartes, a prominent dualist, presented the idea that non-physical substances could interact with physical ones. However, critics have highlighted that this notion contradicts the initial dualist principle that mind and body are distinct and separate. Consequently, if we are to defend dualism, we must provide evidence and reasoning to overcome these objections and bridge the gap between the non-physical and physical realms, as mere faith-based claims are insufficient in philosophy.
The dualist dilemma remains unresolved as the question of how the mind can affect the physical body without being material or energetic itself continues to perplex philosophers. This foundational issue within dualism is often referred to as the 'mind-body problem' and continues to be a highly debated topic within the field of philosophy.