What is considered 'pure science' primarily focused on?

The concept of 'pure science' primarily emphasizes the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, without immediate consideration for practical applications. This branch of science is driven by curiosity, aiming to understand fundamental principles and the underlying mechanisms of the natural world. Researchers in pure science engage in questions related to the laws of nature, theoretical frameworks, and abstract concepts, often leading to discoveries that can later have practical implications, even if that is not their initial goal.

In contrast, options focused on practical applications or solving current issues represent applied science or engineering disciplines, which aim to create technologies or solutions to real-world problems based on scientific principles. Experimental validation of theories, while an important aspect of scientific methodology, does not wholly encapsulate the essence of pure science, which prioritizes knowledge generation over validation for practical utility.