Difference between minor scale (Aeolian) and Dorian scale

For example A minor.
A B C D E F G A


A Dorian
A B C D E #F G A


We deduce that the 6th with respect to (tonic or root) bass is a minor 6th in the case of A minor ie
A F
whereas it is a major 6th ie
A #F in the case of A Dorian


And of course this can be generalized for all Dorian scales as opposed to all minor scales.


So if the bass goes down by 4 steps the allowed chord is a major 3rd one which is exactly what makes  the Dorian scale sound interesting and uplifting.
Example
On A Dorian
We can have D and D #F A ie D major 3rd chord if we harmonize with the basis 1 3 5 harmonic triad rule.
Or for example bass code
D6 is D bass D #F B ie D major 3rd major 6th chord


Other examples of Dorian scale:


Breathe - Pink Floyd (in E Dorian)
We were playing E minor to A (major) for an hour or so [Waters]


To Get Lucky - Daft Punk (in B Dorian}
1 st chord is naturally B minor
But 4th and final chord is E major 3rd and not minor 3rd
This is because B Dorian is:
B #C D E #F #G A B


Other example:
Veridis Quo - Daft Punk (in D minor)
Progression from D minor 3rd to G major 3rd, (not G minor 3rd).
D Dorian is:
D E F G A B C D (all natural)


Easy Peasy. But only a few people on the planet take the time to realize it.


Reference:


The Making of the Dark Side of the Moon - DVD (quote by Roger Waters on composing or rather jamming while creating Breathe - Pink Floyd