There are many examples of emergent systems. No individual is aware of the overall pattern. For example. say you have a small critter with genes for move forwards, don't hit things and stick with your mates. This is a very simple critter and assuming there are a few of them they'll buzz about forever. Craig Reynolds formerly of SGI used these very three rules to build his now famous ' boids ' flocking algorthim.
Genetic algorithms are able to reproduce and mutate their behaviour.
To build an ensemble of genetic software you follow this simple recepie. Genetic programs are especially useful when you are trying to solve problems in a constantly changing or poorly known environment. I would propose that thoughts are alive too. Language is its body, deeds are both its food and its excrement. Picture the following scenario You are sitting around with your friends and an idea pops into your head.