The Dualism Argument

I was just wondering about the famous Dualism argument. Rene Descartes is one of the philosophers that strongly believe in the dualism concept as he created all this himself (I think; therefore I am). As I am a man who believes in the materialism (physicalism) view I was just wondering what the great appeal towards dualism was; and why people believe it over materialism. There are many questions that come to my mind that make me quite sceptical about dualism in general, such as: how the mind and body interact with each other, when do you gain consciousness of a mind and does your mind die when your physical body dies.

I just would like to hear some discussions on your appeal for dualism down below.

Thank You all.