Final answer:
Positivism is the way of understanding the world based on science, employing observable evidence and empirical testing, as opposed to theology, tradition, or free will.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options provided, positivism is a way of understanding the world based on science. Theology, tradition, and free will are important concepts in different areas of knowledge, but positivism specifically aligns with scientific methodologies. Positivism is an approach to knowledge that asserts that only scientific knowledge is the real knowledge, heavily relying on observable and quantifiable evidence, logic, and empirical testing to understand phenomena, whereas theology relies on religious thought and revelation, tradition on cultural continuity, and free will involves the philosophical debate regarding human autonomy and choice.