I define Artificial Life as a simulation or copy of life. However, should it be considered a simulation or copy? If one had motivation and money, someone could theoretically create evolving computers, with a program that allows mutation OR simply a simulated environment with simulated organisms.   The computer (or simulated organism)would have the ability to reproduce, grow, and take in energy. What if the life evolved to have intelligence. Currently, there are some relatively limited programs that simulate life, but most of them are heavily simplistic. Are they life?When should something be called life? 
Artificial Life - life or not?
genetic algorithms