Final answer:
According to Maslow's hierarchy, the most basic needs are physiological, including food, water, and shelter, and must be satisfied before higher-level needs can be addressed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most basic need according to Abraham Maslow is the set of physiological needs that are essential for survival. These physiological needs comprise the first level of Maslow's hierarchy and include necessities such as food, water, and shelter. Maslow argued that until these fundamental needs are met, individuals are unlikely to focus on higher-level needs such as self-esteem or self-actualization. His hierarchy suggests that human needs are arranged in a pyramid, with each level of needs requiring satisfaction before moving to the next.