This is the first time I encountered ```alias```, so I went and looked it up. There seems to be a debate about using ```alias``` versus using ```alias_method```.

Points for ```alias``` would be it's a more readable and minimal syntax (IMO), better RDOC integration (http://stackoverflow.com/a/5184851/153797).

On the other hand (http://stackoverflow.com/a/4763178/153797, http://blog.bigbinary.com/2012/01/08/alias-vs-alias-method.html and http://andreacfm.com/2012/11/29/ruby-alias-vs-alias-method/) mention ```alias_method``` handles scope better and redefining in child classes. 

I'd be curious as to your thoughts on the matter?