Pure knowledge is the result of the pursuit of factual information – an inquiry into the how rather than the why of things. Pericles’ explanation of the eclipse is an example of pure knowledge. Pure knowledge is important because it can be used to further the goals of practical wisdom – for instance, in the case of Pericles’ calming the Athenians’ fears over the sudden disappearance of the sun, an example of superb leadership which could not have been accomplished without both
practical wisdom and pure knowledge.
This is the wisdom which comes closest to the Greek concept of episteme.
