Einstein formulated the theory of special relativity decades before it had strong empirical evidence. That’s having theory before empirical confirmation.
ITYM general relativity—the Michelson–Morley experiment had been performed 15 years earlier. (OTOH IIRC Einstein said he didn’t remember whether he was aware of it in 1905.)
As far from what I remember from school Michelson-Morley did show that not all was well with the prevailing physical model. I don’t think it provided enough evidence to validate that Einstein was completely right.
As far from what I remember from school Michelson-Morley did show that not all was well with the prevailing physical model. I don’t think it provided enough evidence to validate that Einstein was completely right.