Dr. Ziedan began his lecture by clarifying the core concepts of philosophy, history, and literature within their respective contexts. He discussed philosophy's meaning and its initial phases, beginning with the theses of Greek philosophy, such as the Platonic idealist methodology, which transitioned with his student, Aristotle, into realist, empirical philosophy. Dr. Ziedan then traced the evolution of philosophy across different intellectual worlds, particularly within Islamic philosophy, where it flourished through a number of luminaries such as Al-Farabi, Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Miskawayh, and others.

Focusing on the creative dimension and its relationship to philosophy and history, Dr. Ziedan utilized several novels as examples, particularly his own work, Hakim. He argued that creativity should transform into a new space through which thinkers can communicate with society. This communication, he explained, allows them to reconstruct multiple and fragmented histories into a single, more cohesive history that is more conscious of the realities of today. This, he concluded, is intrinsically linked to a philosophy that is reconciled with the present.