  This paper introduces foundations for a new kind of cosmology. We advocate
that computer simulations are needed to address two key cosmological issues.
First, the robustness of the emergence of complexity, which boils down to ask:
"what would remain the same if the tape of the universe were replayed?" Second,
the much debated fine-tuning issue, which requires to answer the question: "are
complex universes rare or common in the space of possible universes?" We argue
that computer simulations are indispensable tools to address those two issues
scientifically. We first discuss definitions of possible universes and of
possible cosmic outcomes - such as atoms, stars, life or intelligence. This
leads us to introduce a generalized Drake-like equation, the Cosmic Evolution
Equation. It is a modular and conceptual framework to define research agendas
in computational cosmology. We outline some studies of alternative complex
universes. However, such studies are still in their infancy, and they can be
fruitfully developed within a new kind of cosmology, heavily supported by
computer simulations, Artificial Cosmogenesis. The Appendix [section 9]
provides argumentative maps of the paper's main thesis.
  KEYWORDS: artificial cosmogenesis, cosmic evolution, computational cosmology,
digital physics, Drake equation, Cosmic Evolution Equation, robustness,
fine-tuning, multiverse.
