[js1138]

I'm not playing word games. I'm trying to find out why folks think there is some non-physical aspect to consciousness. I think there is some misunderstanding about what the word physical means to science.

[AndrewC]

I think there is some misunderstanding about what the word physical means to science.

Well, matter has rest mass, energy doesn't.

Now to your previous statement.

If the hypothetical message can be decrypted, then it exists.

Then you have admitted that something that is not embodied "exists". It is of no consequence whether or not the key "exists" since any message intended for decryption can be decrypted.

It is also relevant that you consider "material" things contingent upon knowledge.