Why is quantum theory considered a better theory than the theory of relativity?

Why is it believed that the theory of relativity with eventually give way to quantum theory and not the other way around?|||Because of the Quantum Theory's extensive success correctly predicting the outcome of experiments.





A theory that sounds good on paper, but cannot correctly predict the outcome of experiments isn't a very valuable theory.





No other physical theory has had as much success as the Quantum Theory.





It is the most successful physical theory ever devised.





And yet, because of it's incompatablity with General Relativity, sooner or later something will have to give.





One will have to be abandoned in preference of the other.


Or, they will both be replaced by a third theory.


Or, the two will be reconsiled - somehow.|||Both are equally valid at the scale where they work.





General Relativity: The macro scale roughly atoms and larger





Quantum Mechanics : The micro scale things the size of an atom and smaller.





It will require something different since neither theory works at the other scale. Current leading candidate is String Theory





http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/pro…





Watch hour 2 - Two Conflicting Laws|||Are they both not relative? Quantum theory refers to that which we cannot define. Relativity refers to that which we can define.|||They both describe different things. Quantum physics deals with the world on a subatomic level, whereas relativity deals with the world on a macroscopic scale. Albert Einstein believed that he could somehow "unify" his general theory with quantum physics. This marriage however was doomed to failure. As Old Pilot mentioned in his answer, one of the most promising developments is string theory.


There are other theorists who think that a quantum theory of gravity is the best way to make general relativity and quantum theory compatible.