which of the following is a reform suggested by enlightenment thinkers?

public education
a focus on emotional expression over rational thought
a return to absolute monarchy
church-backed government

The reform suggested by Enlightenment thinkers is public education.

The reform suggested by Enlightenment thinkers is public education. Enlightenment thinkers believed in the importance of education for all individuals as a means to promote reason, critical thinking, and intellectual growth. They advocated for public education systems that were accessible to people from all social classes.

The reform suggested by Enlightenment thinkers is public education.

To arrive at this answer, one needs to understand the key ideas and principles of Enlightenment thinkers. The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a philosophical and intellectual movement that emerged in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. Enlightenment thinkers emphasized reason, rationality, and the power of human intellect.

During this period, many thinkers believed that education was essential for the progress of society. They believed that through education, individuals could acquire knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, and challenge traditional beliefs and institutions. Public education, which refers to educational systems that are accessible to all members of society, was seen as a means to spread enlightenment ideas and knowledge to a broader audience.

Based on these principles, the reform of public education aligns with the ideals of Enlightenment thinkers. The other options mentioned in the question, such as a focus on emotional expression over rational thought, a return to absolute monarchy, or church-backed government, are contrary to the principles of Enlightenment thinkers who emphasized reason, individual autonomy, and a separation of church and state.