Final answer:
Materialism is a philosophical standpoint that denies the existence of psychical functions in nature. There is a privileged link between materialism and the natural sciences as materialists seek explanations rooted in the physical world. The natural sciences use evidence-based methods to study the physical aspects of the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
Materialism is a philosophical standpoint that denies the existence of psychical functions in nature, such as sensing, feeling, and thinking. The natural sciences, which include biology, chemistry, and physics, focus on the study of the physical world and its processes.
There is a privileged link between materialism and the natural sciences as materialists seek explanations for physical phenomena that are rooted in the physical itself. They reject spiritual or religious explanations and aim to understand the universe through the same matter it consists of. For example, physicists study the fundamental particles and forces that make up the physical world, while biologists examine the structure and functions of living organisms.
By utilizing the methods and tools of the natural sciences, researchers can investigate the physical aspects of the world and provide evidence-based explanations for various phenomena. The knowledge gained through these disciplines helps advance technology, medicine, and our understanding of the natural world.