Which type of science focuses on the quest for knowledge without practical applications?

Pure science is defined as the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, emphasizing understanding natural phenomena without necessarily aiming for practical applications. It involves basic research and seeks to explain underlying principles and laws of nature. This type of science often leads to new theories, discoveries, and insights that can later be utilized in applied sciences or practical fields, but its primary focus remains on expanding the theoretical basis of scientific knowledge.

In contrast, applied science specifically aims to use scientific principles and knowledge to develop practical applications, technologies, or solutions to real-world problems. Theoretical science is closely related to pure science, as it involves developing models and theories to explain observations, but it can be oriented toward practical outcomes as well. Experimental science relies heavily on empirical methods to test hypotheses and validate theoretical concepts, often directed more toward application than toward pure exploration of knowledge.