This lecture introduces the superposition principle in circuit analysis, which involves considering circuit subdivisions separately and then combining the partial results to obtain the overall result. The instructor explains the concept of excitation and response in a circuit, demonstrates how to cancel voltage or current sources, and highlights the benefits of using the superposition method. Through examples, the lecture illustrates how applying the superposition principle simplifies the analysis of complex circuits by breaking them down into simpler components and summing up the individual results.