The first step would probably be to avoid letting the existing field influence you too much. Instead, consider from scratch what the problems of minds and AI are, how they relate to reality and to other problems, and try to grab them with intellectual tools you’re familiar with. Talk to other physicists and try to get into exploratory conversation that does not rely on existing knowledge. If you look at the existing field, look at it like you’re studying aliens anthropologically.
The first step would probably be to avoid letting the existing field influence you too much. Instead, consider from scratch what the problems of minds and AI are, how they relate to reality and to other problems, and try to grab them with intellectual tools you’re familiar with. Talk to other physicists and try to get into exploratory conversation that does not rely on existing knowledge. If you look at the existing field, look at it like you’re studying aliens anthropologically.