What are the advantages and disadvantages of dual-wielding?

Question

I want to know pros and cons of dual wielding; both for spells and weapons. Please use specific examples.

Answer 1

For weapons:
Pros:

• can get up to 4 weapon effects onto a pair of weapons.
• More DPS as you attack faster with duel wielding perks

Cons:

• can't block
• can't bash (shields/two handed weapons lets you bash)
• need to find two good weapons instead of one

For dual casting spells, you'll want to look here.