What are the disciplines generally considered the bedrock of the 'hard sciences'?
Answer
Physics and chemistry.
The classification system historically places certain disciplines at the core of the 'hard' sciences based on their foundational role in providing universally applicable laws and employing rigorous experimental methods. Physics, which explores the fundamental constituents and forces of the universe, and chemistry, which deals with the composition and reactions of matter, are frequently cited as the primary examples. These fields operate on laws that yield highly predictable and quantifiable results, forming the theoretical basis upon which other natural sciences, including astronomy, build their understanding.
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