"Dualists hold that body and soul are separate entities and that the soul will continue beyond the existence of the physical body"

In the quote by Michael Shermer, the idea of dualism is succinctly recorded, which works as a structure for many philosophical, religious, and metaphysical beliefs. Dualism, in its fundamental kind, presumes the existence of two unique and different entities: the body and the soul. The body is the physical, concrete part of a being, subject to the laws of nature, aging, and ultimate decay. It is the vessel through which humans experience the physical world, efficient in perception, experience, and action.

The soul, in contrast, is conceived as the non-material essence of an individual. In lots of traditions and ideologies, the soul is imbued with qualities of consciousness, identity, and continuity beyond physical demise. This long-lasting nature of the soul implies an existential aspect that goes beyond physical limitations and mortality. Shermer's reiteration of this belief highlights the idea held by dualists that while the corporeal body might die, the soul continues beyond physical existence, suggesting a continuing journey or presence after death.

This dualistic viewpoint addresses essential questions about human presence, identity, and what it suggests to be human. Philosophically, it introduces disputes concerning the nature of awareness, individuality, and the afterlife. The relationship between mind and body, as separate or intertwined entities, becomes a centerpiece for discussion. Dualism likewise converges with spiritual teachings that talk to the immortality of the soul, proposing moral and ethical ramifications for how one lives their life in the physical realm.

In addition, dualism sets the phase for much deeper inquiries into the nature of reality. It encourages exploration of whether the physical realm we perceive constitutes the entirety of presence or if, possibly, a deeper, intangible reality persists beyond our sensory experiences. In spite of developments in science and psychology, questions surrounding the mind-body relationship and the essence of consciousness keep an air of mystery, fostering continuous expedition and differing point of views across cultures and belief systems.