How can "Moderate vitalism" be characterized in philosophical terms?

Moderate vitalism can be characterized in philosophical terms by recognizing it as an extension of property dualism. This perspective suggests that while there may be a physical body made up of material components, there are also non-material properties or life forces that cannot be fully explained by physical science alone.

In contrast to substance dualism, which posits that the mind and body are entirely separate entities, moderate vitalism accepts that life is influenced by both physical and non-physical properties. This view holds that living organisms possess unique qualities that distinguish them from inanimate matter, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between physical processes and life itself.

Considering this framework, moderate vitalism seeks to bridge the gap between the physicalist viewpoint of materialism and the more rigid delineation that comes with substance dualism. It enables a more dynamic interaction between the physical and the vital aspects of existence, thus enriching philosophical discussions around life, consciousness, and the nature of being.