The sentences P, Q, R and S are given in a jumbled order. Out of the four options, select the most logical order to form a coherent paragraph. P – Epistemological idealists (such as Kant) might insist that the only things which can be directly known for certain are ideas. Q – The approach to idealism by Western philosophers has been different to that of Eastern thinkers. R – In much of Western thought (though not in such major Western thinkers as Plato and Hegel) the ideal relates to direct knowledge of subjective mental ideas, or images. S – It is then usually juxtaposed with realism in which the real is said to have absolute existence prior to and independent of our knowledge.

Introduction / Context:
This sentence arrangement question deals with philosophical ideas about idealism and realism in Western thought. The four labelled sentences P, Q, R and S discuss Western philosophers, the meaning of the “ideal”, epistemological idealists and contrast with realism. To arrange them correctly, you must pay attention to how technical terms are introduced and how pronouns like “it” refer back to earlier sentences. Such questions test your ability to follow abstract argumentation and logical progression in complex English paragraphs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Q: The approach to idealism by Western philosophers has been different to that of Eastern thinkers.
R: In much of Western thought (though not in such major Western thinkers as Plato and Hegel) the ideal relates to direct knowledge of subjective mental ideas, or images.
P: Epistemological idealists (such as Kant) might insist that the only things which can be directly known for certain are ideas.
S: It is then usually juxtaposed with realism in which the real is said to have absolute existence prior to and independent of our knowledge.
We must choose among RQPS, PQSR, PRQS and QRSP.

Concept / Approach:
We look for an opening sentence that introduces the general topic. R immediately starts with “In much of Western thought ... the ideal relates to ... ideas.” This gives a direct description of the ideal in Western thought and is a strong candidate for the beginning, because it defines “the ideal” clearly. Q then contrasts Western idealism with Eastern thinkers, which makes sense after some description of the Western position. P introduces a specific subset, “epistemological idealists”, giving an example of the Western view mentioned in R and expanding it. Finally, S uses the pronoun “It”, which must refer to idealism or this ideal-related approach, and then sets up a contrast with realism. This pattern from description (R), to broader comparison (Q), to specific example (P), and finally to contrast with realism (S) is the most coherent.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Consider R as a starting point: it defines how “the ideal” is understood in much of Western thought, which is suitable as an introduction. Step 2: Next, look for a sentence that situates this Western view in a broader context. Q compares Western philosophers’ approach to that of Eastern thinkers, which naturally follows after we know how Western thought treats the ideal. Step 3: Now introduce a specific group within Western thought. P talks about epistemological idealists, such as Kant, who insist that only ideas can be known for certain. This elaborates the Western idealist position described in R. Step 4: Finally, S begins with “It is then usually juxtaposed with realism ...”. The pronoun “It” refers back to the idealist position or the concept of the ideal explained in R and detailed in P, making S an appropriate concluding sentence that contrasts idealism with realism. Step 5: Putting them together gives R–Q–P–S, which corresponds to option RQPS.

Verification / Alternative check:
Read the paragraph in the chosen order: “In much of Western thought (though not in such major Western thinkers as Plato and Hegel) the ideal relates to direct knowledge of subjective mental ideas, or images. The approach to idealism by Western philosophers has been different to that of Eastern thinkers. Epistemological idealists (such as Kant) might insist that the only things which can be directly known for certain are ideas. It is then usually juxtaposed with realism in which the real is said to have absolute existence prior to and independent of our knowledge.” The argument flows smoothly from a description of the ideal in Western thought, to a comparison with Eastern thought, to a specific example of epistemological idealism, and finally to a contrast between idealism and realism. Other sequences, such as PQSR or QRSP, break reference chains or introduce technical terms before properly defining them.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
PQSR: Starting with P introduces “epistemological idealists” and Kant without first explaining how the ideal is understood in Western thought generally. This makes the paragraph feel abruptly technical and less coherent.
PRQS: P again appears first, and S (“It is then usually juxtaposed with realism...”) comes too early, before the paragraph has fully developed the Western idealist position or the general meaning of the ideal; the pronoun “It” also lacks a clear, well-established antecedent in this order.
QRSP: Beginning with Q raises a comparison between Western and Eastern approaches without first clearly stating what the Western approach is. S placed before P leads to “It is then usually juxtaposed with realism...” without sufficient explanation of “It”.

Common Pitfalls:
When dealing with abstract content, students sometimes focus only on transitional words like “then” or “however” and ignore pronoun references and the order in which concepts are introduced. It is important first to identify where key terms are defined. Sentences that define crucial concepts, like R does for “the ideal” in Western thought, are strong candidates for opening positions. Pronouns such as “It” in S always require a clear reference in a previous sentence. Training yourself to trace such references and to see the movement from general description to specific example and then to contrast or conclusion will greatly improve your success with high-level paragraph arrangement questions.

Final Answer:
Correct answer: RQPS.