We compared the judgement of the deaf on their reaction to a humiliation situation lived in the past, and on a hypothetical reaction to a similar humiliation in the present. Eleven deaf people took part, their ages from 15-25 and 35-45 years old. We used Piaget's clinical method in sign language, with a semi-structered interview. As for the past, the main answers indicated 'no reaction' and 'to run or to leave the place'. As for the present, the answer 'no reaction' was maintained, but 'to try to talk' was prominent, accompanied by a new kind of reaction: 'to despise'. The justifications on the past reactions are 'absence or breaking of bonds' in relation to the aggressor, and 'defense of the physical integrity'. As for the present, the main justifications deal with the 'absence or breaking of bonds', and 'solution of a conflict'. Humiliation is a theme acknowledged by the participants, and the temporary difference influenced their judgement on reaction.
Moral judgment; humiliation; deaf
