Why does Debian allow all incoming traffic by default

[Subhadip Ghosh]

Hi,

I am using Debian and the recently I learned that a standard Debian 
installation allows all 3 types of traffics especially incoming by 
default. I know I can easily use iptables to tighten the rules but I 
wanted to know the reasons behind the choice of this default behaviour 
and if it makes the system more vulnerable? I tried searching on the 
Internet but did not get any satisfactory explanation. It will be 
helpful if anybody knows the answers to my questions or can redirect me 
to a helpful document.

Thanks,
Subhadip