Einstein's theory of relativity, which encompasses both the theory of special relativity and the theory of general relativity, has been extensively tested and confirmed by numerous experiments and observations. It is one of the most well-established and successful theories in physics, accurately describing a wide range of phenomena.
On the other hand, Stephen Hawking made significant contributions to our understanding of black holes through his theoretical work. Hawking's theories, such as Hawking radiation, have provided valuable insights into the behavior of black holes and their connection to quantum mechanics.
While Hawking's work expanded our understanding of black holes, it did not directly challenge or contradict the fundamental principles of Einstein's theory of relativity. In fact, Hawking's theories are consistent with and build upon general relativity, incorporating quantum mechanical effects in the vicinity of black holes.
It's important to note that scientific theories are not proven absolutely correct; they are continually tested, refined, and modified as new evidence and observations emerge. However, to date, no experimental or observational evidence has emerged that disproves Einstein's theory of relativity. It remains the foundation of our understanding of gravity and the behavior of spacetime.
Therefore, while Hawking's contributions to black hole physics have been significant, they do not imply that Einstein's theory of relativity is fundamentally flawed or likely to be disproven by Hawking's work. Rather, Hawking's theories have provided valuable insights that complement and enrich our understanding of black holes within the framework of general relativity.