Maslow's need hierarchy theory proposes that people are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to other needs. The hierarchy consists of physiological needs, safety needs, social needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. As a moderator of a debate about human needs and motivation, I would introduce Maslow's theory and explain that it suggests people are first motivated to meet basic survival needs like food and shelter, then safety needs, followed by social, esteem, and self-actualization needs.